ECELS Warns of Water Bead Dangers for Children

Healthy Child Care Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS) is advising parents and early child care providers about the possible dangers of water beads.

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Water beads are small, water-absorbing balls of super absorbent polymer that can grow 100 times their original size when exposed to water. They are often sold as toys, in craft kits, as sensory tools, or for use in gardens. 

Water beads can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested, leading to choking, internal injuries, and even death if left undetected. If the beads are inserted into ears, they can damage ear structure, causing hearing loss and surgery. The beads lead to thousands of emergency room visits every year, according to the ECELS.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urges parents and caregivers to remove these products from any environment with children and for child care centers, camps, and schools to avoid these products entirely.

Medical treatment should be sought immediately if a child has swallowed a water bead or inserted it into their ear or nose.

More information on the beads can be found on the CPSC’s website.