Parents and carers of young children are urged to check their home for small magnets, that can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed.
Last year, 44 children presented to the Queensland Children’s Hospital emergency department with a magnet related injury.
Paediatric surgeon Dr Giorgio Stefanutti said swallowing magnets could lead to serious complications such as bowel perforation, blockages and infections.
“If a child swallows two or more magnets, they can attract each other and connect inside the body. This can cause serious internal damage and can be life-threatening without timely treatment,” Dr Stefanutti said.
“Kids who accidentally swallow magnets can show signs like stomach pain, vomiting, and fever. Since these symptoms can often occur for various reasons, it might not be obvious right away that your child has ingested magnets.
“If you suspect that your child has swallowed or inhaled magnets, it’s important to seek emergency medical care immediately,” he said.
Bundaberg parents, Emily and Luke know first-hand the dangers of magnets found in toys and common household items, after their three-year-old daughter Millie was placed on life support after swallowing two magnets at home.
Two magnets were attracted to each other through three layers of her small intestines, causing six perforations, and ultimately a severe case of sepsis.
Millie was airlifted from Bundaberg Hospital to Queensland Children’s Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery to remove the magnets and affected parts of her bowel.
“Nothing prepares you for seeing your child on life support,” Emily said.
“Millie was lucky, but these little high-powered magnets can be fatal if swallowed. The magnets do not always show clearly on an X-ray and by the time the symptoms appear, the damage can already be done.”
After a month recovering in hospital, Millie and her family returned home to Bundaberg in August.
“Today, she is doing incredibly well, and we have our bright, sassy little three-year-old back where she belongs,” Emily said.
“We hope that by telling Millie’s story, another family might be spared the fear, pain, and uncertainty we endured.
“Please check your homes for small magnets and act immediately if you suspect your child has swallowed one,” she said.
Kidsafe Queensland Chief Executive Officer Susan Teerds encouraged families to be aware of common household items that may contain small magnets.
“Magnets can be found in many household items such as children’s toys, building and construction sets marketed as adult ‘toys’, wearable items such as jewellery, hair clips, badges and clasps for cases,” Ms Teerds said.
Higher risk products that contain small powerful magnets have been banned from sale in Australia since 2012. However, not all products that contain strong magnets are captured under this ban.
“Younger children are naturally curious and love to explore, which makes them more likely to accidentally swallow magnets without realising how dangerous they can be,” Ms Teerds said. “It’s important to keep small magnets away from small hands.”
“Keep your kids safe by knowing which products contain magnets in your home. Check whether the magnets can come loose and whether any are missing.”
ENDS
Media contact: t: +61 7 3068 5111 e: chqnews@health.qld.gov.au