Magnets are dangerous for young children

I love magnets and magnet building sets. I bought them for my kids. I even have some at work as a stress reliever, especially during long conference calls.

Until now, I had been dismissive about whether magnets are not safe for children. After all, anything can be swallowed (well, except a 2×4, but you know some kid somewhere probably tried that). But this story a few weeks ago reminded me of the issue and made me reluctantly change my mind:
Magnets create holes in child’s intestines

In this case, the child swallowed five magnets. Once inside, they all clung together and caused perforations in the intestine walls. The child could not pass them through to excrete them, so doctors had to perform surgery to remove the cluster of magnets.

A toddler died a year ago and there are other close calls.

Recommendations from the manufacturer:

• Be sure to keep small magnet parts out of the hands of children who mouth objects, especially under the age of three.
• This type of product is more appropriate for ages 6 years and older.

It’s better to be cautious with this.

Related links:

• Magnetix Customer Service Recall Information
• Non-recall: Magnetix Still On Store Shelves Despite Danger to Young Children