Powerful magnets are used in lots of products and are everywhere.
These magnets can be found in:
These magnets are usually round in shape and small in size.
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 children who have swallowed magnets have needed an emergency procedure to remove the magnets. Some children have needed a major operation.
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.
Magnets look shiny and interesting to young children.
To keep your children safe:
Information adapted from the NASPGHAN Warning! Swallowed magnets are dangerous patient handout (PDF, 197KB) [2]
Image of magnets inside the bowel from the NASPGHAN Warning! Swallowed magnets are dangerous patient handout (PDF, 197KB) [2]
This page last reviewed 03 May 2023.
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Links
[1] https://www.gikids.org/files/documents/Magnet%20patient%20education%20handout%20with%20picture%20July%202012(3)%20%20(2).pdf
[2] http://www.gikids.org/files/documents/Magnet%20patient%20education%20handout%20with%20picture%20July%202012(3)%20%20(2).pdf
[3] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2783