Magnets: A Commonly Overlooked Household Item that May Be Lethal to Your Child

At some point, most children play with magnets. They are fun. They seem relatively safe. Also, if the child isn't young enough to choke on them, they don't seem particularly hazardous to children. Right?

Wrong. According to info at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/magnet.pdf magnets are among the most hazardous and lethal items to have around children. Surprisingly, choking is not the main risk. In fact, if a child starts to choke on a magnet and you manage to get it out of a baby or toddler's mouth, that may be scary but far less dangerous than if the magnet makes it into the stomach and intestines.

Since 2005, magnets have caused 1 death, 86 Injuries and 8 million magnetic toys have been recalled. They are the number one hidden health hazard listed at the CPSC site!

Here's why:

1. Magnets aren't what they used to be.

With the advent of such products as super magnets, rare earth and Magcraft (tm) magnets, these items are so strong that they can literally bond to one another - even managing to stick together through intestinal walls! if this occurs, the intestines can twist or an infection or blood poisoning can be the result. Even worse, the intestinal wall can be perforated, leading to sepsis, shock and death. This happens often enough to make this one of the CSPC's top five hidden health hazards.

We have super magnets and I use them. Luckily, I don't have young children. I'd never have realized the potential risk until just the other day when I read the information at the CPSC site.

2. Parents may mistakenly believe that the magnets will simply pass through the child's digestive system and all will be well.

With many items, this is true. Even pennies and small objects may make it safely through a child's digestive system (your doctor is your best source of information on this). But don't make this mistaken assumption when it comes to magnets. If you have reason to suspect your baby or child has swallowed two or more magnets, call your doctor immediately. It could be an emergency and surgical intervention may be required. Don't hesitate - act!