Study Sounds Alarm on Kid Magnet Injuries
A growing number of children are ending up in emergency rooms after swallowing magnets—and the United States now leads the world in these cases, according to a reports of a new study published in BMJ Injury Prevention.
Researchers found that between 522 and 2,000 children in the U.S. swallow magnets each year. Experts believe the actual number may be even higher, since not all cases are reported. The rise in incidents may be tied to both the wider availability of magnets and improved tracking methods.
In 2014, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned high-powered magnet sets, which led to a decline in ingestion cases. However, the ban was overturned in 2016, and injuries began climbing again, especially among children under 14. In response, the CPSC introduced new safety rules in 2022, banning small, loose magnets that are both strong and easy to swallow.
The danger is especially high when it comes to high-powered magnets, which are often hidden inside children’s toys. These tiny but powerful magnets can be deadly if swallowed—particularly when more than one is ingested. Inside the body, the magnets can attract each other through tissue, causing intestinal blockages, perforations, infections, and, in severe cases, death. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever may signal internal damage. Prompt medical attention is critical. Magnets must be removed immediately to prevent life-threatening complications.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe—especially when marketed to or accessible by children. When high-powered magnets are sold without proper warnings, packaging, or safety measures, the risk to young children increases dramatically. If your child has been injured because of a product that failed to meet basic safety standards, it’s a good idea to connect with a top Philadelphia attorney for product liability cases. Please contact us to set a mutually convenient time to meet.