Reminder Issued to Parents About The Dangers of Water Beads in The Home

The ACCC are issuing a reminder to parents about the dangers of water beads.

The ACCC have issued a recall for Alpak Trade Pty Ltd t/as Fremantle Water Beads.

If used as a sensory toy, the unexpanded balls may be swallowed. These balls may expand internally in the gut.

Also, the expanded balls can be a choking hazard to children.

Consumers who purchased the product believing that it was suitable for children, can return the product to Fremantle Water Beads to receive a full refund.

Product description
2-3mm water expandable polymer balls; also known as water beads. The beads expand when water is added, reaching 8mm in diameter. The balls are used for flower arranging, soil wetting and decoration. The beads are also used by children as a sensory toy.
When expanded, the lifespan of the balls is two years.
470 small packets sold

What are the defects?
If used as a sensory toy, the unexpanded balls may be swallowed. These balls may expand internally in the gut. Also, the expanded balls can be a choking hazard to children.

What are the hazards?
If swallowed, the balls can lead to internal injuries and even death. The balls may pose a choking hazard to young children.

NSW Poisons Information Centre previously warned parents about the dangers of water beads.

Taking to Facebook to share their important message the poison centre has advised how they still receive far too many calls about kids who have eaten Water Expanding Beads.

“They may look pretty and feel nice to play with, but water expanding beads pose a serious risk if beads are ingested, particularly in young children.

“Even if they are made from a non-toxic substance, the beads can expand in the bowel and cause a blockage which may require surgical removal. We are starting to hear stories of giant balls and other water expanding toys, which are an even bigger risk than the golf ball sized balls we had seen previously.

“Please keep all water expanding items out of reach of children and do not use as a toy or sensory aid.

Call the Poisons Centre on 131126 for advice if any water expanding beads or toys have been swallowed.

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34 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 11 Sep 2022
    8:28 am
Wow…this is something im not aware of but thankfully I have never had these in my home.

- - mish06 said
  - 29 Nov 2018
    5:34 pm
I’ve never heard of these before. Thanks for the warning if we ever come across them.

- - mom74005 said
  - 21 Nov 2018
    10:50 am
Oh gosh I didn’t know. Noted!

- - curlytops said
  - 13 Nov 2018
    11:10 pm
I had never thought about a child eating one and then expanding in their stomach before!

- - mom111059 said
  - 13 Nov 2018
    9:18 am
That’s it I’m throwing mine out. It sure does pose a threat if ingested.

- - mom101628 said
  - 11 Nov 2018
    9:38 pm
I would have thought some common sense needed to be applied with these beads – children should be warned not to put them in their mouth and always supervised if helping mum put them in vases.

- - natct said
  - 11 Nov 2018
    11:21 am
My son loves his. They have a very calming effect on him as he swishes his fingers through a bucket of them. I can see the danger but my kids know what they are and how they work and don’t eat them.

- - mom160421 said
  - 10 Nov 2018
    4:40 pm
It’s just common sense isn’t it?

- - Cookfromscratchmum said
  - 10 Nov 2018
    8:27 am
Oh dear Very scary these are very dangerous I will never buy

- - mom93821 said
  - 10 Nov 2018
    6:58 am
No experience with water beads – but thanks for the warning.

- - MuthaNita said
  - 09 Nov 2018
    11:09 pm
Scary. I remember playing with these when expanded as a kid but I never thought to eat them. I thought they were just for watering plants.

- - mom7108 said
  - 09 Nov 2018
    7:33 pm
I saw these at my daycare – in the 0 to 4 years section. Kids were closely monitored and having a great time squashing them!

- - mom90758 said
  - 09 Nov 2018
    6:09 pm
They could be a great risk for pets too!
- mom93821 replied
  
  11 Nov 2018 , 7:35 am
  Good point about pets – we have to look after furry family members too!
- - mom81879 said
  - 09 Nov 2018
    3:48 pm
Pretty sure I’ve seen these warnings already. Can’t believe people still need to be told they’re dangerous for kids

- - Ellen said
  - 30 Jul 2018
    3:42 am
Aw lol, I’ve never seen or heard of these. Not the type of thing I would get anyway, but sound they form a hazard for kids indeed.

- - mom111059 said
  - 28 Jun 2018
    11:31 am
I have these but decided to throw them out after your article. Don’t want to put any child at risk.

- - rovermum said
  - 27 Jun 2018
    9:06 am
Um, I feel really ignorant here, but what on earth are water beads? And why would they be anywhere near a child under the age of 3?

- - mom90758 said
  - 26 Jun 2018
    3:04 pm
I’ve never had these water beads. Probably a good idea to remove them from our kids indeed.

- - littlehandsofmine said
  - 26 Jun 2018
    9:41 am
this completely makes sense!

It’s definitely a choking hazard.

- - mom206279 said
  - 26 Jun 2018
    5:35 am
We have some but my son hates how they feel and wont touch them.