Young children often put things they shouldn't have in their mouths. Even seemingly harmless objects, such as toys, may have ingredients small enough to allow babies to swallow (such as magnets). Despite the increase in regulations, thousands of children around the world are still swallowing magnets.
In a comprehensive international review, researchers at UC Davis (UC Davis) and UC Davis investigated pediatric magnet intake reports from around the world and addressed the issue with their corresponding national policies. Their results suggest that children in the United States may be particularly vulnerable. Although the study can only analyze 23% of the world countries, the researchers hope their comparison will inform forward regulatory policies.
“The data suggest that pediatric magnet intake is an international problem that must be addressed,” the researchers wrote in a study published today in the journal Injury Prevention. “Each geographical area has different product and type limitations, but the problem remains the same: If children can use magnets, some children will inevitably ingest them, resulting in widespread and serious consequences.”
Children from all over the world, especially under four years old, have the risk of swallowing small, high-power magnets such as entertainment, toys and small appliances. While researchers point out that swallowing a single magnet may not be problematic, swallowing more or swallowing with metal objects may require invasive medical intervention.
To better understand global trends, the team looked at papers published between 2002 and 2024, covering the prevalence and consequences of swallowing magnets in children under the age of 18. Most of the 96 papers are from Asia, the Middle East, North America, Europe, Europe, Chile, Australia, Australia, Egypt, Egypt and Toonicia. The researchers also evaluated any policies regarding their national magnet production, sales and use.
The average age of children who swallow magnets is between two and eight years old, and most children generally swallow magnets from toys or school and office supplies, at home, in nurseries or daycare. Many children need medical interventions.
The most represented incidents in the United States (23,756), although this may be because individuals in the United States report such cases more frequently than others. Several countries, including the United States and China, reported cases over time. This could also be due to more accurate reporting or changes in magnet costs, marketing, availability or regulations, the researchers say.
Regarding the topic of regulatory policy, the group's policy of intake of pediatric magnets in only 10 countries or geopolitical regions: the United States, Canada, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Policies include (small amounts) thorough ban on small magnets, limits on magnetic strength and/or marking regulations.
“Many countries still lack national policies aimed at limiting small, substantial magnets, and even countries that publish morbidity and mortality rates,” the researchers explained. In the U.S., regulations that exclude high-power magnets from the market were overturned in 2016, and since then, reports of intake of pediatric magnets soared 444% until 2022, when the new (but still doubtful) came into effect.
Overall, researchers believe that the true amount of magnet intake in children may even be higher than what they outlined in the study, as many events that do not require medical intervention may not be documented. Although their research is limited by information availability, most importantly, children still swallow magnets at high speeds.
Fortunately, “the data also provide some insights on potential solutions,” the researchers noted. “Removal of magnets from the market is associated with reduced incidence of injury associated with magnet intake and, therefore, such policies should be proposed, promoted and enforced.”
