Magnets, children and pets: what should you watch out for?
Short answer: small loose magnets do not belong with children or pets. If one magnet is swallowed, it usually passes on its own. Two or more magnets, or a magnet and a piece of metal, can attract each other through the intestinal wall and cause perforations. If you suspect a child or pet has swallowed a magnet, go straight to the GP, A&E or the vet, even if there are no symptoms (yet). Magnetic toys can be great fun and educational, but choose toys in which the magnets are firmly built in.
Why are magnets dangerous when swallowed?
Neodymium magnets are small and strong. If two magnets end up in different loops of the intestine, they attract each other through the intestinal wall and pinch the tissue in between. After hours to days a hole can form, resulting in inflammation or a bowel obstruction. At first there are often few signs, so it is discovered late. Magnets show up clearly on an X-ray.
Children
- Small magnets, magnetic balls and loose magnets from sets are not toys. Our advice: keep out of reach of children under 14.
- Take care with older children and teenagers: small ball magnets are sometimes used as a fake "piercing" on the tongue or lip and swallowed in the process.
- Store magnets in a closed box, and count them after use.
Magnetic toys
There are many fun and educational magnetic toys: building tiles, trains, puzzles. That is fine, as long as the magnets are firmly fixed in the toy and it meets European toy safety rules (CE marking). We are cautious about magnets in toys ourselves, because small magnets remain tricky for children:
- regularly check that no magnets are coming loose from damaged toys;
- throw away broken magnetic toys;
- pay attention to the age indication;
- if you make something with magnets for children yourself (a memo board, an educational project), glue the magnets in completely or choose plastic-coated magnets of a size that cannot be swallowed. See magnets in educational products.
Dogs and cats
- Dogs, especially young ones, swallow anything that falls on the floor. Do not leave magnets lying around.
- A cat can play with small magnets or balls and swallow them.
- Symptoms may include vomiting, not eating, lethargy and a painful abdomen. If you suspect anything, go straight to the vet and say it involves magnets.
- Magnet fishing with your dog around: keep the dog away from the strong fishing magnet and from finds with sharp edges.
Frequently asked questions
My child has swallowed one magnet. Should I see a doctor?
Yes, always have it checked. You often cannot be sure it really was only one, or that no metal was swallowed as well.
Are large magnets safe then?
They cannot be swallowed, but they carry a risk of pinching. See are neodymium magnets dangerous?
