Retail Giants Halt Sale of Hazardous Water Beads: Amazon, Target, and Walmart have voluntarily stopped selling children’s water beads. Due to growing concerns from government officials, parliamentarians, and public health specialists who want to ban these toys, this decision was made.
Water beads, made of extremely absorbent polymer, can grow 100 times their weight and size in liquid. Since they can develop within the body if consumed, these small beads, sold as educational and sensory toys, offer serious health concerns to young children. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns about discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, intestinal obstructions, and life-threatening injuries requiring surgery.
Despite being mostly water-based, these beads often go undetected in typical X-rays, complicating the diagnosis of ingested beads. In a safety alert issued in September, the CPSC emphasized the urgent need to address the risks associated with water beads.
US Representative Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey introduced legislation last month, aiming to implement a national ban on water beads marketed to children. Pallone emphasized the specific targeting of children by these products, citing the potential harm even a single bead could cause. He noted the lack of clear labeling, warnings, and the ease with which these products can be obtained.
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Amazon, in response to safety concerns, has updated its policy on water beads. The e-commerce giant will now remove listings for water beads marketed to children, especially those featuring images of children or described using terms such as toys, sensory play, arts, or crafts. Amazon asserted its commitment to safety, dedicating teams to develop and update policies, evaluate listings, and monitor the store continuously to prevent unsafe products from being listed.
Target also joined the initiative, announcing that it would no longer sell water beads marketed to children, both in-store and online. Walmart, prioritizing customer safety, similarly decided to voluntarily cease the sale of expanding water bead toy and craft items marketed to young children, taking immediate steps to remove them from stores and online platforms.
Consumer Reports initially reported the voluntary bans on Amazon and Walmart. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has consistently urged parents and caregivers to keep products containing water beads away from small children. Notably, in September, Buffalo Games recalled the “Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits” sold exclusively at Target after reports of an infant death associated with the product.
Our Reader’s Queries
Are water beads still sold?
Following pressure from CPSC commissioner Richard Trumka in December, several retailers have pledged to remove water beads from their shelves. Jo-Ann and Kohl’s have committed to removing all water bead products, while Shein and Hobby Lobby will discontinue those sold as toys. This move comes as a response to safety concerns surrounding the ingestion of these beads, and is a positive step towards ensuring the well-being of consumers.
Why not to buy water beads?
Parents and caregivers are being cautioned against giving water beads to children due to the potential for serious harm. These small, candy-like beads are commonly sold as toys, sensory tools, and in crafts. However, if ingested, they can cause lifelong health issues, injuries, and even death. It’s important to be aware of the dangers associated with these seemingly harmless items and to keep them out of reach of children.
Does stomach acid break down water beads?
When the beads come into contact with saliva, stomach acid, or any other liquid, they start to expand inside the body. Their gel-like texture makes it challenging to pass them through the system, and the longer they stay, the bigger they get. These beads are not easily visible on regular x-rays, making them hard to detect.
What are water beads from Target?
In light of mounting safety concerns, three major retailers – Amazon, Target, and Walmart – have announced the suspension of sales for water-bead products aimed at young children. These products, made of superabsorbent polymers, come in small, colorful balls. The decision to halt sales was made to ensure the safety of children who may be at risk of ingesting or choking on the beads.