In a press release, the Directorate General of Health (DGS) and the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) warn against the risks associated with magnetic balls, sometimes ingested by children. Accidents which can have serious consequences, including major surgery.
The Directorate General for Health (DGS) and the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) warn parents and caregivers of young children against the risks of magnetic balls.
In a press release, the DGS warns of the dangerousness of the ingestion of these balls which can “lead to very serious complications”. “Two serious cases of accidental ingestion of 3 to 5 mm magnet balls have been reported recently, involving children 3 years of age or younger,” she reports. The balls incriminated in these two accidents came from so-called “anti-stress” objects intended for adults. They can also be used in the composition of certain construction games according to the DGS, increasing the risk that they are accidentally ingested by young children.
What risks?
“The magnetic beads ingested can agglomerate, obstruct the digestive tract and tear the intestinal walls causing perforations”, explains the DGS. They are notably more dangerous than inert objects of the same dimensions (glass balls, coins). “In more serious cases, their ingestion may require” heavy surgery and may be life-threatening in children. “
To avoid this kind of accident, the best way is to keep objects containing magnetic balls out of reach of children, “who could in particular confuse them with candy and swallow them”, recommends the DGS.
If swallowed, even suspected, you should immediately call a poison control center “who will give you medical advice and what to do with it.” You can find the number of the center closest to you on their website. In case of emergency, it will be better to privilege the 15 or the 112.
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