Urgent warning issued over water beads Christmas gifts for children Emergency doctors have issued a safety warnings to parents over water beads as we approach Christmas Day.
Water beads, also known as jelly beads and water crystals, are a popular gift that children often receive over the festive period.
Many hydrogel beads] Following expansion, the beads can reach the size of a ‘marble’ and are commonly used for ‘decorating, watering plans and kids’ parties and activities.’.
The beads, marketed as crafting tools, homeware items or toys, are just a few millimetres big but can expand to up to 400 times their original size in 36 hours when exposed to liquid.
That makes the beads dangerous to young children as, if swallowed, they can cause potentially fatal bowel destruction.
