Top retailers suspending sales of water beads amid safety concerns

Top retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon are suspending sales of water beads amid safety concerns for children.

The small, colorful balls are sold as toys and in craft kits. The beads are made of superabsorbent polymers and can grow to 100 times their original size when exposed to water.

While they can be used as sensory toys for children with development disabilities, warnings about children ingesting the beads have piled up, The Associated Press reported.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), from 2016 to 2022, there were an estimated 7,800 water bead injuries treated in emergency departments and at least one death.

Amazon confirmed that it updated its policy on water bead sales “in the interest of safety” and will no longer allow the sale of water beads that are marketed to children, a spokesperson told the AP.

Walmart confirmed it has decided to stop selling the products and has taken steps to remove products online and in stores.

Target said it will no longer sell the beads marketed to children 12 and younger. The company has begun removing products from stores and online and expects to complete the process in the first several weeks of January.

An activity kit previously sold exclusively at Target was pulled from shelves in September after a 10-month-old died and another 9-month-old underwent surgery.

EBay has started including fliers to prevent sellers from listing the water beads as toys and other safety warning requirements for similar products. Etsy has prohibited the sale of water beads entirely, the AP reported.

“Water beads look harmless – almost like candy – but can be deadly to babies and small children if ingested; and can lead to choking, internal injuries and even death if left undetected,” CPSC says in its guidance.

The small beads can cause severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, internal blockages and life-threatening injuries, the safety commission said.

The organization recommends parents and caregivers remove the product from environments with children three years and younger, including at home and in childcare centers and schools.

The Associated Press contributed.