Posted on Wednesday 2nd October 2024
Cllr Victoria Wilson
Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council are reminding people about potential risks posed by water beads.
The warning is aimed at parents and carers and is highlighting the particular risks to young children and vulnerable people. The alert has been issued by the Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Water beads, also called jelly balls, water balls, sensory beads and water crystals, are used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, in crafting, as home decor, or in floristry.
Many people buying them do not realise that they can expand to up to 400 times their original size when exposed to liquid and if swallowed, can block the gastrointestinal passage, which can be serious and require surgery. The beads can also cause choking and have harmed children in the UK, with reports linking them to deaths overseas.
Officers at the authority are now advising people to follow the OPSS warning and ensure water beads are kept away from young children, and only used with older children or vulnerable adults under close supervision.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“These products may seem fun and harmless but they can be extremely dangerous for young children and vulnerable people.
“Our officers want to make sure people are aware of the potential danger and ensure if they have these products in the home, they are used safely and no young child or vulnerable adult is using them unsupervised.”
The alert advises parents and carers that if it is suspected that a water bead has been swallowed, medical help should be sought immediately.
Further details on the alert are available on the Gov.uk website.
Anyone wanting to report unsafe goods to Staffordshire Trading Standards should head to our webpage.