Magnets

Small size, serious risk

Many children's toys contain magnets, and often those magnets are quite small. If they come loose, or if there is a small toy with a magnet inside, the magnet or toy can be dangerous if swallowed, especially when the magnets are powerful ones. Some of the toys containing magnets include:

• Construction sets
• Puzzles
• Toy jewellery and dress-up toys
• Alphabet and number magnets
• Action figures and dolls
• Science and craft kits
• Board games
• Vehicle sets

Swallowing magnets

If a child swallows more than one powerful magnet -- or small items with attached magnet -- in a short period of time, the magnets can attract one another while moving through the intestines. This can cause the intestines to twist, creating blockages or tearing the intestinal walls -- with serious and sometimes even fatal consequences. Because the initial symptoms are similar to the flu (vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain) they can be difficult to identify as being caused by magnets, and sometimes parents don't end up seeking medical attention until it's too late.

Magnet safety tips

To prevent a dangerous incident involving toy magnets, follow these safety tips:

• Keep toys with small magnets out of the reach of young children (and older children who still put non-food items in their mouths).
• Check your child's toys often to make sure they are in good condition. Immediately remove any magnets that could easily come loose.
• Teach children of all ages that small magnets or small items with attached magnets should never be placed in their mouths.
• Seek immediate medical attention for any child who has swallowed (or is suspected of having swallowed) a magnet.