Magnetic jewelry poses risk to children

Last year, there were millions of pieces of children’s jewelry recalled because they contained high levels of lead that could be toxic if swallowed or mouthed.  There were also millions of toys recalled because their small, powerful magnets could fall out and cause serious internal injuries if two or more magnets were ingested or inhaled. So it’s not a stretch to imagine that jewelry made with small, powerful magnets would also be of concern.

Just like tiny magnets in toys, decorative magnetic earrings and nose rings and the loose magnetic backings that hold them in place on an earlobe or nostril can be inhaled or swallowed and possibly require surgical removal.   

Data provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that there have been at least 31 incidents over the past 10 years in which medical treatment was required to remove small magnets from jewelry that had been inhaled or ingested. Most incidents involved children between the ages of 7 and 12 and a few cases required surgical removal of the magnets.

Because the jewelry may not be considered a toy or a children's product, it may not be captured in pending Federal legislation that promises to enhance the safety of products used by children.

We recognize that sometimes magnets in jewelry can be useful.  For example, magnetic catches on necklaces are a boon to those who have trouble working tiny clasps.  And magnetic jewelry seems like a less invasive option to body piercing.  But small, detachable magnets can be risky in the hands of children.  ASTM-International is exploring whether to develop and publish a safety standard to address the hazards of magnetic jewelry. Until they do, we think you ought to keep magnetic baubles away from kids.

Related reading
As part of its Hidden Hazards series, the Chicago Tribune explored the dangers of magnetic jewelry and found that often the magnets in the jewelry are more powerful than those used in toys and, therefore, even more of a hazard.