The Annals of Emergency Medicine published a study on August 6 that has opened my eyes to the serious health hazards of magnets. When swallowed or put up their noses, magnets can be extremely dangerous to kids.
The study found that the emergency room cases of ingested magnets increased fivefold from 2002 to 2011. What's really terrifying is that some kids experienced severe trauma and even required surgery after swallowing multiple magnets.
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According to lead study author, Dr. Jonathan Silverman, from the department of pediatrics at the University of Washington in Seattle,
It is common for children to put things in their mouth and nose, but the risk of intestinal damage increases dramatically when multiple magnets are swallowed. The magnets in question were typically those found in kitchen gadgets or desk toys marketed to adults but irresistible to children.
It had never occurred to me that if a child swallows more than one magnet, it can pinch the intestinal walls, cause inflammation, ulceration, or even rip holes. AGHHH!!! I'm absolutely mortified.
Last year, a girl in Portland, Oregon swallowed 37 Buckyballs, which are a magnetic desk ornament. She had to have surgery because the balls ripped three holes through her lower intestine and one through her stomach.
It's hard to tell if a child has swallowed a magnet, unless you actually see them do it. Symptoms can appear flu-like and include nausea and abdominal pain.
Now keep in mind that many of these injuries appear to be caused by magnets that were never intended for kids. Magnets that are marketed to adults. Keeps those magnets out of kids' reach, please.
