Key points about magnet dangers for children
- swallowed magnets can be very dangerous
- keep tiny powerful magnets out of the reach of tamariki
- educate your older tamariki and rangatahi (young people) about the risks of swallowing these magnets
- if your toddler or child swallows magnets, immediately go to your nearest hospital emergency department
Where are magnets found?
Powerful magnets are used in lots of products and are everywhere.
These magnets can be found in:
- jewellery
- desk or office toys
- office supplies
- pain relief products
- machines and tools
These magnets are usually round in shape and small in size.
What can happen if your child swallows a magnet
When more than one powerful magnet is swallowed, the magnetic force can bring two different parts of the bowel tightly together. This can make holes in the bowel.
Swallowing magnets can lead to bowel injury, blockage or bad infections. Most tamariki who have swallowed magnets have needed an emergency procedure to remove the magnets. Some tamariki have needed a major operation.
What to do if your child swallows a magnet
Go straight to hospital
Take immediate action. Go straight to your nearest hospital emergency department if you think your child has swallowed powerful magnets.
Tell reception, doctors and nurses you think your child might have swallowed magnets. Getting your child checked quickly is very important.
How to keep kids safe from magnet injuries
Magnets look shiny and interesting to young tamariki.
To keep your tamariki safe:
- search your home, and any place your child goes, for magnets or any gadgets that may contain magnets
- keep magnets out of sight and reach of pēpi (babies) and small tamariki
- educate your older tamariki and rangatahi about the risks of swallowing these magnets
- if your child swallows magnets, seek immediate medical help
Healthline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 611 116. Call Healthline if you need advice about a child of any age who is unwell, hurt, or has any symptoms of sickness. It's free to callers throughout New Zealand, including from a mobile phone.
Acknowledgements
Image of magnets inside the bowel from the NASPGHAN Warning! Swallowed magnets are dangerous patient handout (PDF, 197KB)
Photos: iStock
References
Information adapted from the NASPGHAN Warning! Swallowed magnets are dangerous patient handout (PDF, 197KB)
