Health Canada has issued a public advisory on a products known as water beads—a product that is not uncommon in child care centres and schools—because of the potential for serious injury to children who may ingest them.

According to Health Canada the water-absorbing gel beads can grow up to 1,500 times their size when placed in water and can be very harmful if swallowed, or put in the ears or nose. If ingested, water beads can continue to grow inside the body, leading to potentially life-threatening injuries, including bowel obstruction.

Health Canada says there were at least 248 known water bead cases reported in the US between 2017 and 2022.

The brightly coloured beads are sometimes promoted for use in so-called sensory bins for young children. Because of their pleasing size, shape and colour, they could be mistaken for candy. Health Canada warns because they are slippery and bouncy, they can sometimes roll away from their original location and in come cases children gained access to beads found under furniture or in corners. Health Canada is aware of a number of incidents outside Canada where children who had ingested water beads suffered life-threatening injuries and required emergency surgery.

Water beads can be found in a wide range of products including toys, art kits, stress balls, and foot baths, and can be used as vase fillers and as gardening products.

Symptoms of ingesting water beads include vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, lethargy, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Parents and caregivers should take necessary precautions to protect children from the dangers of water beads.