Expert's advice: What to do if your child swallows a magnet
"The worst-case scenario is if the child swallows several magnets at once," says Professor Pål Aksel Næss.
"Swallowing such magnets can, in the worst case, lead to serious complications like perforation of the intestine," says Professor Pål Aksel Næss.(Photo: Fredrik Hagen, NTB)
Their usual function is to hold a calendar on the fridge or make sure cupboard doors close easily and smoothly.
But there are also magnets in toys and school supplies, such as magnetic boards and magnetic numbers and letters.
Some of them are as small as beads, marbles, or even a raisin – all of which can be tempting for a child to put in their mouth.
"Swallowing such magnets can, in the worst case, lead to serious complications like perforation of the intestine," says Professor Pål Aksel Næss.
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He is a paediatric surgeon and senior consultant in the trauma department at Ullevål Hospital.
Too many swallow magnets
A new international study shows that children all over the world are still swallowing magnets, despite an increase in regulations. This is reported by the website Gizmodo.
Researchers analysed data from 96 studies worldwide that had been published between 2002 and 2024, and which included children between 0 and 18 years old.
The results showed that two-year-olds are especially at risk of swallowing small but powerful magnets – which are found in toys, remote controls, and small devices.
Two or more plus a metal object
"The worst-case scenario is if the child swallows several magnets at once," Næss tells Science Norway.
The magnets can stick together and pinch the intestinal wall.
In the worst case, this can cause holes in the intestine that require surgery.
Call a doctor immediately
What should you do if you suspect your child has swallowed magnets?
"You should contact the healthcare system immediately. Even if you think they've only swallowed one, they need to see a doctor," answers Næss.
It is important to note that most foreign objects swallowed by small children pass through the digestive system without issue and are expelled naturally.
"Still, it's wisest to contact healthcare professionals if a child has swallowed a foreign object," says Næss.
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Batteries are even more dangerous
"You should do the same if a child swallows batteries," says Næss.
There are strict safety requirements for toys and children's products in Norway.(Photo: Shutterstock / NTB)
At the trauma department, they are especially alert when it comes to button batteries. These small, flat batteries have a tendency to get stuck in the oesophagus and can cause serious damage to the lining of the throat.
"We see these cases regularly, and the batteries must be removed under anaesthesia as quickly as possible," he says.
Remote controls and children do not belong together
Button batteries are commonly found in remote controls.
And if there's something children like to play with – or be in charge of – it's the remote control.
Here, the trauma doctor is clear:
"Children and remote controls do not belong together," he says.
Næss points out that both batteries and magnets are especially appealing to one- and two-year-olds. They're shiny and often look like sweets.
"It's no wonder toddlers want to taste them," he says.
The US has the most incidents
In the new study, the United States had the highest number of reported cases of children swallowing magnets. Since 2002, there have been 23,756 reported incidents.
In Norway, no official data exists on how many children have swallowed magnets.
It’s the small button batteries, or coin cell batteries, that most often end up in children’s mouths.(Photo: Shutterstock / NTB)
Pål Aksel Næss doesn't have exact numbers either but suspects the real figure is much higher. Many children swallow magnets without any adult noticing. And since most magnets pass through the body without causing issues, they often aren't reported.
Regulations on toys
Norway does not have an explicit ban on small magnets that pose a riskto children, but there are general safety standards for toys and children's products under the Product Control Act and the Toy Safety Regulations.
These rules state that products must not pose a risk to children's health.
If small magnets are considered hazardous, the products can be pulled from the shelves or recalled.
The researchers behind the study note in a press release that many countries still lack national guidelines to limit access to magnets that can be swallowed, despite the high number of cases.
They call for stricter regulations and the removal of powerful magnets from the market.
