ER Visits Related to Water Beads Are Increasing Rapidly Among Kids

Parents are always on the lookout for new ways to keep their little ones entertained, but what was once marketed as a safe “sensory experience” with water beads has turned into a cause for concern.

A new study published in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine has uncovered a significant increase in emergency room visits related to water beads over the past few years. Researchers report that from 2007 to 2022, more than 8,000 water bead-related visits occurred in U.S. emergency departments. What’s more alarming is that this number has spiked by 131% from 2021 to 2022.

Water beads, which hit the market about four years ago, were introduced as “sensory toys” designed to enhance kids’ motor skills through crafts and sensory play. These vividly colored beads, made from super-absorbent polymer, can swell up to 100 times their original size when soaked in water. While they may seem harmless, these beads pose significant risks—especially if swallowed. Once ingested, they can expand inside a child’s body, potentially causing dangerous internal blockages and choking hazards.

In the past two years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued recalls and called for a ban on water beads. Congress has also been pushing for legislation—the Ban Water Beads Act—which would direct the CPSC to enforce a ban on all water beads marketed for children. CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric, who supports the bill, was present when it was introduced.

However, some experts believe this action is moving too slowly, urging parents to be informed of the dangers now. “Many parents are not aware that water beads can be harmful to children,” said Dr. Marcel Casavant, study co-author and physician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“If you have children under six or those with developmental delays in your home or who visit frequently, it’s crucial to keep water beads out of your home and to speak with childcare providers, preschool teachers, therapists, and others who might use these beads with young children,” he advised.

If you want to learn more about water beads and the danger they may pose, visit CPSC.gov.