Should Water Beads Be Banned? Growing Evidence of Serious Dangers 

Colored balls of hydrogel in children's palms. Sensory experiences

United States: Water beads presented as harmless sensory toys now result in thousands of child hospitalizations due to their toxic properties thus leading expert organizations together with parents to call for their market ban. 

Water Beads Expand 100 Times Their Size 

Small water beads absorb liquid until they increase in volume to become 100 times larger. The Pediatrics Journal released a study on January 28 which explains water beads will cause intestinal blockages, respiratory issues and brain poisoning when ingested, as reported by HealthDay. 

A Mother’s Story: Water Beads Nearly Took Her Daughter’s Life 

Study co-author Ashley Haugen experienced the dangers of water beads firsthand when her toddler, Kipley, developed a rash, vomiting, and coordination issues after coming into contact with them. 

Doctors later discovered that Kipley had suffered from a dangerous intestinal blockage caused by the beads. Further testing revealed toxic brain encephalopathy, a condition linked to developmental delays and long-term neurological issues. 

“Because the water beads were marketed as non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable, we assumed they were safe,” Haugen told CBS News. 

Dr. Elizabeth Friedman of Children’s Mercy Kansas City environmental health department alerts people about the presence of polyacrylamide in water beads that transforms into the neurotoxic substance acrylamide. 

Dr. Friedman stated that the regulation of chemical ingredients used in consumer products remains poorly controlled. 

Emergency Room Cases and a Tragic Death 

U.S. emergency rooms received 7,800 reports of water bead ingestion from 2016 until 2022. In 2023 a ten-month-old infant lost their life because the beads entered their body causing death as indicated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, as reported by HealthDay. 

A Push for a Ban 

Now eight years old, Kipley continues to suffer from long-term health effects. She and her mother are actively advocating for a ban on water beads to prevent further tragedies. 

An Advocate for Change 

“It breaks my heart, what happened to Kipley. But knowing that this pain has a purpose, and that I can help others, has been very healing,” Haugen shared. 

Kipley’s message is clear: “Please work together to ban water beads. Lots of kids like me got hurt.” 

Parents and caregivers are urged to stay informed and join the fight to keep children safe from the dangers of water beads.