Household magnets have always been a choking risk. But a different breed of magnet—tiny, high-powered silver-colored balls that can be molded into shapes and are sold as “stress relievers”—can be devastating to kids if they’re ingested. Many brands have been recalled, but that hasn’t solved the problem. When two magnets attract within the digestive system, it’s “like a gunshot wound to the gut, but with no sign of entry or exit,” says Scott Wolfson, communications director at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A federal safety rule now makes it illegal to make or sell small, powerful, and loose magnet sets. (Toys that use magnets are legal, as long as their label shows they meet the “ASTM” safety standard.) If you suspect your child has ingested a magnet; call your doctor or go to an emergency room, where an X-ray should be performed right away.
Many games for adults also contain these small magnets, inviting a curious child to investigate. These are among the most dangerous of all items that can be swallowed, often leading to death due to the amount of irreparable internal damage.
Batteries, especially small button batteries: These batteries, which can be found in everything from toys to wristwatches to hearing aids, aren’t just a choking hazard. Sometimes the button battery opens up after being ingested. This causes a caustic fluid to leak out and burn the esophagus.
Ingested batteries have caused severe injuries to young children, including internal bleeding, and have even caused many preventable deaths. They can also be found in small LED candles, toys, games, and children’s books that play music or other sounds.