One unfortunate trend has developed with kids swallowing neodymium magnets. New research finds that these cases are rapidly increasing throughout the country. By working collaboratively, the experts hope to raise awareness around the dangers of magnet ingestion and educate parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals about the risks. In addition, Dr. Alexandra Jones is one of the nation’s leading pediatric experts. She notes that size and strength of these magnets are important factors in determining whether they may be harmful.
The US sees an estimated 522 to 2,000 cases of magnet ingestion annually. This shocking figure puts the country at the top of international peacetime occurrences. The likelihood of a serious accidental ingestion increases dramatically, as magnets are an increasing hazard in a child’s environment. Dr. Jones warns that the strength of a magnet can lead to serious internal injuries if swallowed, stating, “It’s not just about the size of the magnet, but the strength of the magnet is important too.”
Ingestions first dropped in 2014, after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned high-powered magnet sets. When the ban was lifted in 2016, cases more than tripled overnight. In fact, this spike was most pronounced among children younger than 14 years old. This very scary trend highlights the importance of education and proactive measures to prevent suicide.
According to medical experts, immediate intervention is essential when a magnet gets stuck in a child’s esophagus, or if several magnets are ingested. If your child is experiencing belly pain, vomiting, or fever, it’s time to see your doctor right away. Dr. Jade Cobern stresses the importance of prevention, stating, “Part of the reason this keeps happening is that it’s normal for many young kids to put things in their mouth as they are exploring their environment, which makes it so important for parents to regularly survey their child’s environment for anything that kids can access and swallow.”
At that time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released emergency calls about the dangers of ingesting magnets. They highlighted the deadly consequences that too often follow this reckless maneuver. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agrees with this concern. They strongly advocate for healthcare providers to be aware of the life-threatening dangers associated with ingesting magnets.
Dr. Jones emphasizes the need for public awareness: “We want to increase public, parental, and educator awareness of these dangers.” There isn’t enough safety oversight, she points out, even with the newest regulations implemented in 2022 aimed at protecting people.
High-strength magnets are incredibly dangerous. A flux index of 50 or above means the power level is strong enough to inflict serious internal damage if swallowed. With cases likely still on the rise, experts are calling for continued caution among caregivers and immediate medical attention if ingestion does happen.
