[ABC7|VIDEO] A Maine woman is warning about the dangers of small children ingesting water beads, and is calling on a bead manufacturer to add additional warnings to its product as her infant daughter fights for her life after swallowing one.
Folichia Mitchell told WMTW her daughter needed three emergency surgeries after a bead, which grew in her body, blocked her small intestines and caused both sepsis and an infection.
“Because of the infection, the vessels in her body also swelled,” Mitchell said. “So all the fluid that she’s been given is leaking into her body, causing pressure to build up. Her lungs were struggling and her heart was struggling and her kidneys were struggling. She had to have a third emergency surgery to remove part of the bowel from the body to release pressure in hopes that that would help her heart and kidneys and lungs.” [FULLSTORY]
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The Dangers of Water Beads: A Parent’s Worst Nightmare
As a parent, you want to ensure the safety and well-being of your child. From the moment they are born, you take every precaution to protect them from harm. However, what happens when danger lurks in unexpected places, like the toys they play with?
Water beads, a popular toy among children, have been the cause of serious concern for many parents. These tiny, colorful beads start off as hard, marble-sized pellets but grow to the size of small marbles when soaked in water. They are marketed as a sensory toy and used in arts and crafts, gardening, and home décor.
However, the danger arises when these beads are ingested by young children. Ingestion of water beads can lead to serious health consequences, including intestinal blockages and suffocation.
The size of these beads may seem insignificant, but when swallowed, they can expand up to 400 times their original size. Once inside the body, they can swell and become lodged in the throat or digestive tract. If this occurs, the child may experience symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the beads.
Tragically, there have been several reported cases of children dying due to the ingestion of water beads. One such case is that of a 7-month-old baby from Texas who ingested water beads and subsequently died due to intestinal obstruction.
The danger of water beads is not just limited to ingestion. In some cases, children have also inhaled the beads, which can cause suffocation. This can occur when the beads are left unattended, and children mistake them for candy or a snack.
In response to these incidents, several safety organizations have taken steps to warn parents about the potential dangers of water beads. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a statement, advising parents to keep water beads away from young children and to closely supervise their use. Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a warning, recommending that parents not purchase water beads for their children.
Despite these warnings, water beads are still readily available and marketed as safe and fun toys. Many parents are unaware of the dangers associated with these beads and may not realize the potential harm they can cause.
This issue is not just limited to the United States; incidents of water bead ingestion have also been reported in other countries. In Australia, the government has banned the sale of water beads due to their potential health risks. In the UK, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned parents about the dangers of water beads and advised against their use.
In conclusion, the dangers of water beads cannot be overstated. Parents should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to ensure their children are safe. This includes keeping water beads out of reach of young children, closely supervising their use, and properly disposing of them after use. It is also important for toy manufacturers and distributors to take responsibility and ensure that their products are safe for children to use.
As a parent, it is important to prioritize the safety and well-being of your child. By taking steps to prevent the ingestion or inhalation of water beads, you can help protect your child from a potentially life-threatening situation.
WATCH: Worried Mom Warns Others About Water Beads After 11 Year Old Son Swallows One | VIDEO
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