Japan bans magnetic toys after children suffer perforated intestines

Starting in June, Japan's Ministry of Industry will ban the use of small, high-powered magnets in children's toys, according to the Asahi Shimbun . The plan comes after a series of serious accidents have been reported recently.

According to Japan's consumer safety investigation agency, from 2017 to 2022, the country recorded at least 11 cases of children accidentally swallowing magnets.

There have been cases of children with perforated intestines accidentally swallowing small, round magnets.

In some particularly serious cases, children swallow multiple magnets at once. These magnets then travel to different areas of the body, such as the stomach and small intestine. Because of the strong attraction, these magnets are pulled together, creating holes in the digestive system and causing other problems inside the body. In addition, the strong attraction also prevents these magnets from being expelled from the body.

Under new government standards, magnets with a diameter of less than 1.5 inches (3.17 centimeters) must have a weak enough attraction that they can naturally exit the body if accidentally swallowed.

"Children tend to become fascinated with shiny objects and they can grab magnets before adults realize it. So keep magnets out of children's reach," said Fumiko Tanaka, a pediatrician at Saiseikai Yokohamashi Nanbu Hospital.

Plastic balls that expand when they absorb water are also included in the list of banned products. Under the new standards, balls with a diameter of less than 3.17 cm must not expand more than 50% of their original size.

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