Magnetic reusable water balloons can cause death, serious injury: UK Safety body
Magnetic reusable water balloons can cause death, serious injury: UK Safety body
London
The magnetic reusable water balloons, especially the ones that are being sold via online marketplaces, have higher magnetic force (flux) and have the potential to cause serious injury or death.
The warning was issued by Britain’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) on Wednesday, 16 August.
It also called on its residents to remain vigilant about the dangers posed by certain magnetic reusable water balloons.
A UK government spokesperson said, “OPSS (has) identified reusable water balloons that present a risk of death or serious injury if two or more magnets are ingested.”
The spokesperson said OPSS found that some balloons sold via online marketplaces had magnets with higher flux.
The reusable water balloons contain small magnets which have the potential to cause serious internal injuries or death if consumed accidentally.
OPSS has called to stop the use of such products immediately, dispose of them safely or keep them away from children.
It has also called for remaining vigilant of signs of accidental ingestion in children if you have such products at home.
These signs include vomiting or stomach ache in children and try to seek medical attention immediately.
The British agency also urged the sellers to stop the sale of such products or clearly mention the dangers posed by these balloons.
It also warned against selling reusable water balloons that contain small magnets and exceed the magnetic flux index set in Standard EN71.
Selling of such products is, otherwise, a breach of the safety requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Notably, reusable water balloons are becoming an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional single-use water balloons.
These are typically made from materials like silicone or other durable, waterproof fabrics.
They are designed to be filled with water, just like regular ones but can be thrown and used in water balloon fights many times.
In addition, they reduce waste generated by regular ones that can be used once and then discarded.
