Major Retailers Suspend Sales of Water-Bead Products Due to Safety Concerns

Three major retailers, Amazon, Target, and Walmart, have announced the suspension of sales for water-bead products marketed to young children. The decision comes as a result of growing safety concerns surrounding these colorful balls made of superabsorbent polymers.

Water beads are commonly sold as toys in craft-activity kits and used as sensory tools for children with developmental disabilities. However, warnings about the potential dangers of ingestion have raised alarm.

Dr. Joshua King, medical director of the Maryland Poison Center, explains that when water beads absorb water, they can swell to a size much larger than their original state. While most cases pass through the gut without any issues, there have been instances where the beads have swollen to a size that obstructs the bowel, causing severe discomfort and life-threatening injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission emphasizes that water beads can also end up in ears, leading to damage or hearing loss. Shockingly, hospital emergency rooms have treated an estimated 7,800 water-bead-related injuries between 2016 and 2022.

In light of these safety concerns, Amazon has updated its policy on water-bead sales. A spokesperson for the company mentioned that they have banned the sale of water beads specifically marketed to children, whether as toys, art supplies, or for sensory play.

It is evident that these major retailers have prioritized customer safety by taking proactive steps to remove potentially harmful water-bead products from their shelves.

Amazon Updates Policy on Water Bead Products for Children

Amazon has recently updated its policy to remove listings that include images of children with the products or have references to terms such as "child," "kid," "crafts," or "sensory play." Sellers have been given a deadline of December 22 to comply with this new policy.

Following Amazon's lead, Walmart has also announced its decision to stop selling expanding water bead toys and craft items marketed to young children. They have already taken steps to remove these products from both their physical stores and online platforms.

Target has joined the bandwagon as well, stating that they will no longer sell water beads marketed to children aged 12 and under due to growing safety concerns. They have already started the process of removing these items from their shelves and online, aiming to complete it by the first few weeks of January.

It is worth noting that Target previously sold the "Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits" which were recalled in September. The decision to recall these kits was made after a tragic incident where a 10-month-old child in Wisconsin passed away after swallowing the water beads, and another report surfaced about a 9-month-old in Maine who required surgery after ingesting the beads.

While Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other major retailers have policies surrounding water bead sales, eBay has implemented measures over the years to curb the listing of water beads marketed as toys. They have also imposed safety-warning requirements for other water bead products. Additionally, Etsy has taken a more stringent approach by prohibiting the sale of water beads entirely, regardless of their marketing or intended use.

With the safety and well-being of children in mind, these retailers are taking steps to ensure that water bead products are handled responsibly and are not marketed to vulnerable age groups.

Proactive Action Builds Trust and Saves Lives

Advocates Collaborate for a Safer World

Ashley Haugen, the founder of the advocacy nonprofit That Water Bead Lady, emphasizes the importance of proactive action by companies in building trust among consumers while also saving lives. Haugen takes pride in the progress made, attributing it to the collaboration between parents, advocates, health-care professionals, policymakers, and corporations. Her motivation to create a safer world for children stemmed from her youngest daughter's critical injury caused by water beads in 2017.

Calls for Widespread Change Continue

In addition to the efforts undertaken by individual companies, lawmakers and advocates have been pushing for more comprehensive change, which many believe is long overdue. U.S. Representative Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, introduced legislation last month to prohibit the sale of all water beads marketed for children's use nationwide. Pallone received support from CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric and other consumer safety advocates, including Haugen.

Staying Vigilant and Seeking Help

While water beads and various other objects that children can accidentally ingest continue to pose a risk, experts advise families to remain vigilant. It is essential to closely monitor what children are playing with and properly store potential hazards out of sight and reach. In case of an emergency, local poison centers and the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) are valuable resources that can provide assistance.

"We understand that children often swallow things unintentionally—and we are here to provide help," reassures King, an expert in child safety.