Children who swallow magnets have a problem that may not pass. Parents know that children try to swallow all sorts of things. If a child swallows something small like a marble and does not choke, many parents usually do not worry. However, small but powerful magnets can cause deadly child injuries even after swallowing.

Magnets cause injuries that are more serious because they can attract to each other or to other metals across intestinal tissue. This locks them in place and obstructs blood flow. This can even perforate tissue, causing internal bleeding and infection. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) revised its standards on magnets in child toys in 1988. Magnetic toys are no longer allowed to come easily apart, and the magnets must be secure.

According to a recent report from the CPSC, a bigger problem may be right on your refrigerator or your desk. Powerful magnets designed for posting messages, or sets of magnetic ball bearings designed as artistic novelties, threaten children if swallowed as much as toys do. Certain types of desktop toys designed for adults pose a particular threat because they come in sets. Children can easily swallow several of these marble-sized and very strong magnets. They can then wreak havoc with a child's digestive system.

A 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on the danger of magnetic toys cites three cases in which children required surgery to remove small magnets they had swallowed. In one case, the child died before the problem could be identified. The magnets used in the unregulated toys for adults are even more powerful. Parents should keep them away from children. If a child swallows one, they should seek medical help immediately.

Sources: Chicago Tribune, "Regulators warn of magnets marketed as desk toys, stress relievers," Ellen Gabler, Nov. 11, 2011

CDC.gov, "Gastrointestinal Injuries from Magnet Ingestion in Children --- United States, 2003-2006," Dec. 8. 2006