What is the major concern for pediatric ingestions of water beads?
Ingestion can lead to fatal bowel obstructions. Water beads are typically made of polyacrylamide, a non-toxic and biodegradable polymer. They begin as sub-centimeter pellets and expand up to 5 cm in diameter, 200 times original size.
Castro A. Small bowel obstruction with bowel ischemia due to ingestion of water-absorbing bead. Am J Emerg Med. 2023 Nov;73:235.e1-235.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.07.035. Epub 2023 Jul 22. PMID: 37517873.
Contributed by Miami Poison Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital on behalf of the Florida Poison Information Center Network
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