WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – Despite updated safety regulations, children across the globe continue to swallow high-powered magnets at alarming rates — and the United States leads the pack, according to a new study published in the BMJ Injury Prevention journal.
The report reveals that magnet-related injuries in the U.S. dropped after a 2014 federal ban on high-powered magnet sets. But when that ban was lifted in 2016, cases surged again, particularly among children under 14. Between 522 and 2,000 cases of magnet ingestion are reported each year in the U.S., though experts believe the actual number is likely much higher due to underreporting.
“These magnets pose a real danger to kids,” said Dr. Alexandra Jones, a general surgery resident at UC Davis Health and lead author of the study. “It’s not just the size — it’s the strength of these magnets that can cause serious internal damage, especially when more than one is swallowed.”
In response to rising injuries, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) implemented tougher regulations in 2022, banning small loose magnets that are both strong and small enough to fit in a child’s airway. Magnets with a flux index of 50 or more — a measure of magnetic strength — are now restricted.
However, the study suggests these measures may not go far enough. Dr. Jones warned that even magnets embedded in toys can become dangerous if the toy breaks, exposing the powerful magnets inside.
When multiple magnets are ingested, they can attract each other through intestinal walls, causing serious injuries such as blockages, tissue death, perforation, or even death in severe cases. Ingested magnets lodged in the esophagus must be removed immediately, and emergency care is recommended if multiple magnets are swallowed or if symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, or fever occur.
According to Dr. Jade Cobern, a pediatrician and preventive medicine specialist, prevention remains the most effective solution.
“Children explore the world with their mouths, and it’s easy for parents to overlook small but dangerous items like magnets,” Cobern said. “Keeping high-powered magnets out of children’s environments is critical.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has long warned that warning labels are not enough. Many parents are unaware of the risks or don’t read the labels carefully. The AAP and the CDC both advocate for stronger public education and stricter limits on the sale and marketing of products containing small, powerful magnets.
“This isn’t just a parenting issue — it’s a public health issue,” said Dr. Jones. “We need increased awareness, better education, and stronger regulations to keep children safe.”
As the number of injuries climbs, medical professionals and child safety advocates are calling on lawmakers, manufacturers, and caregivers alike to take action — before more children get hurt.
