A recent case report highlighted a serious incident involving a 13-year-old boy who ingested numerous high-powered magnets. The report was published in the New Zealand Medical Journal and details the boy’s hospitalization and subsequent surgery.
Ingestion of Magnets: A Risky Behavior
The unnamed teenager consumed between 80 and 100 small, powerful magnets, each measuring 5×2 millimeters. Following this incident, he experienced persistent abdominal pain for four days before seeking medical attention.
Hospital Diagnosis and Treatment
- Upon arrival at the hospital, he disclosed that he had eaten the magnets roughly a week prior.
- X-rays showed a dangerous configuration of magnets in his abdomen, forming four chains.
- Doctors noted that the magnets were creating pressure necrosis in sections of his bowel and large intestine.
Due to the severity of his condition, an exploratory surgery was performed, during which surgeons successfully removed the magnets and addressed the damaged areas of his bowel. He spent eight days in the hospital recovering before being discharged.
Health Risks of Ingested Magnets
The ingestion of multiple magnets is especially hazardous. This is due to their potential to attract and clamp together within the body, leading to serious organ damage or complications. Frequently, surgical intervention is required in such cases.
High-Powered Magnets: A Growing Concern
High-powered magnets are often marketed as desktop toys for adults and are significantly stronger than ordinary refrigerator magnets. In fact, they can be up to ten times more powerful. Their sale has been permanently banned in New Zealand, yet they remain easily accessible online.
Online Sales and Safety Measures
The boy reported buying the magnets from the website Temu. The company has expressed regret over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to product safety and compliance with regulations. They noted that their listings available for New Zealand customers adhere to local safety laws.
Other online retailers, including Amazon and AliExpress, continue to offer these high-powered magnets. In the United States, while a 2014 ban on such products was overturned, a mandatory safety standard was implemented in 2022 to limit the strength of loose or separable magnets.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with high-powered magnets. It underscores the need for increased awareness regarding the potential risks and the importance of adhering to safety regulations for such products.
