Reusable Water Balloons: A Hidden Danger for Kids, warns the AAP
Reusable water balloons have become a popular summer staple for children, offering hours of entertainment. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is now cautioning parents about the potential dangers associated with these seemingly harmless toys.
The concern lies in the high-powered magnets used to secure the balloons, which can pose serious safety risks if they become dislodged. Although the magnets are designed to keep the water in and allow the balloons to burst upon impact, prolonged use can lead to wear and tear, causing the magnets to fall out. Additionally, there is a risk of young children or even pets chewing on the balloons and accidentally releasing the magnets.
The AAP emphasizes that these magnets, also known as rare-Earth magnets, are considerably stronger than typical magnets. If swallowed, they can attract one another within the body, potentially causing severe damage to internal organs or even death. Moreover, magnets can become lodged in the nose, resulting in serious injuries.
Parents beware! An Ohio mom says her 8-year-old daughter was injured by magnets from a reusable water balloon.https://t.co/8ZWrMmiMyz
— Good Morning America (@GMA) July 20, 2023
Signs a child may have swallowed magnets include abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. Unfortunately, these symptoms are often mistaken for common ailments, making it difficult for parents to identify the issue immediately. Shockingly, a recent study conducted at 25 children’s hospitals revealed that more than half of the children who swallowed high-powered magnets required hospitalization. Almost half of them needed surgical intervention or other medical procedures.
One mother’s viral story shed light on the dangers of these magnets. Kelley Whitty from Morrow, Ohio, shared her daughter Leah’s unfortunate experience. While playing with reusable water balloons at a friend’s house, Leah began experiencing a burning and stinging sensation in her nose after wiping her face with a towel.
Alarmed by Leah’s distress and suspecting the missing magnets from the balloons, Kelley rushed her to the hospital. Doctors found six small magnets lodged in Leah’s nose and had to perform a surgical procedure to remove them.
Kelley’s story resonated with parents worldwide, prompting her to raise awareness of the potential dangers of reusable water balloons. By alerting others to these hazards, she hopes to prevent other children from suffering the same fate as Leah.
To address this issue, the AAP urges for policies to safeguard children against dangerous high-powered magnets. In the meantime, parents can follow these safety tips recommended by the AAP to protect their children from magnet-related injuries:
1. Discard any balloons with missing or loose magnets immediately.
2. Educate children about the potential dangers of playing with magnets and the importance of not putting them in their mouths or noses.
3. Store reusable water balloons out of reach of young children and pets.
4. Supervise children while they are playing with reusable water balloons.
5. Regularly inspect the balloons for wear and tear, especially around the magnet area.
It is essential for parents to be diligent in ensuring their children’s safety during playtime. By taking these precautions and being aware of the risks associated with reusable water balloons, parents can make informed decisions to protect their children from potential harm.
