Water beads are also known as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil, sensory beads or orb beads
Health officials in Canada have issued a stark warning over the use of water beads by children and have cited ‘potentially life-threatening injuries’ as one of the reasons why.
The children’s product is sold here in Ireland and can be obtained in toy stores as well as online on platforms like Amazon.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has issued a warning, however, advising that the beads should be kept away from children under five.
The BBC reports that the “safety flash” was issued to doctors so they know what to look for if a child presents at an Emergency Department.
The beads are not visible on X-rays, and they can cause choking. The beads should only used by older children or vulnerable adults under close supervision.
The product is known under a number of names such as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil, sensory beads or orb beads.
“Having seen the effects first hand, which can be devastating and detrimental, we are asking people to please think twice about the dangers these pose while selecting and gifting presents this season,” Dr Salwa Malik, vice president of the RCEM, told PA Media.
Water beads are found in several products that are available to kids, like in toys, art kits, stress balls, foot baths, vase fillers, and gardening products.
They are also sold in their dehydrated form in individual containers.
They may be promoted to parents and caregivers of young children, specifically for use in sensory bins, according to Health Canada.
They are typically brightly coloured, and may be mistaken for sweets by young children.
Health Canada also said it has been made aware of several incidents across the globe where children who ingested water beads required surgery.
Parents and caregivers are asked to avoid having these products in homes where children are living.
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