Parents, beware of toys with magnets. Two British doctors express concern in letter published in British medical journal Lancet increased intestinal complications in children who have ingested magnets.
They cite the case of an 18-month-old infant who had swallowed a dozen small round magnets and an 8-year-old child who had ingested a 2 cm long magnetic strip, both from magnetic toys. Both had to undergo surgeries.
A single object swallowed by a young child “usually passes through their digestive system without causing disease or internal damage,” the letter notes. The problem arises when several magnetic objects are swallowed by the child.
Magnets can attract each other and form a block within the body, causing fistulas (abnormal conduits) between different sections of the intestines which, if not treated quickly, can have serious repercussions.
Dangerous toys: the responsibility of the manufacturers in question
“We are very concerned about the availability of many inexpensive magnetic toys for children, parts of which can easily be detached”, notes Dr Anil Thomas George of Queen’s Medical College at the British University of Nottingham.
Doctors conclude by calling on toy manufacturers to be more transparent about the composition of toys: “We are counting on greater awareness of the problem among toy manufacturers who are responsible for alerting parents to the presence of magnets. in their products, ”adds Dr. George.
Since 2008, the European Union has required magnetic toys to carry a warning on the risks to the health and safety of children.
>> To read also: Are baby toys toxic?
