Tiny magnets play havoc with kids’ lives: Doctors

The children, aged between two to six years, faced complex health problems and possible death if doctors had not operated upon them in time.

Over the past four months, three such cases were brought to Dubai’s Latifa Hospital, two to Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, and one to Zayed Military Hospital in Abu Dhabi. At least one child was hospitalised for over three weeks.

The toys have not been specifically identified but could range from powerful ball magnets to colourful building blocks and other similar low-quality toys.

The issue came to light when the Dubai doctors presented these case studies to their colleagues from other emirates. It was then discovered that similar cases existed in Abu Dhabi as well.

“The children were brought to the emergency rooms with symptoms ranging from distended stomachs to vomiting,” said Dr Abdul Rahim Mostafavi, medical director of Latifa Hospital.

According to the doctor, any exposure to a magnetic object should be strongly cautioned and avoided. Multiple high-powered magnets, if swallowed, retain their strong attraction and tear through internal walls, creating holes.

In August last year, the Dubai Municipality banned packets of small magnets called ‘Buckyballs’ after the US Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an order to stop the sale of the toy after it caused injuries to children who swallowed them. One died and several needed surgery.

“The magnets had perforated the intestinal walls causing small holes which had to be removed surgically,” explained the doctor. “We had to remove parts of the bowel in some cases as well,” he added. Some of the children have also had to take antibiotics for at least two weeks.

Dr Mostafavi said that in the latest case, the child stayed for only five days in the hospital after the parents brought him to hospital in time. “One child was highly septic-looking and was in a serious condition. We had to carry out two surgeries on him.”

He said the health condition of the children had worsened because parents had delayed initiating treatment. “We also want to raise awareness among parents in this regard.”

“Such toys are often colourful and attract children who may put them in their mouths causing more harm than good.”

Dr Mostafavi, who is also a senior consultant paediatric surgeon, asked authorities concerned, including municipalities, to ensure that such cheap-quality toys are not available in the market.

“The biggest role is played by the family, especially mothers, in preventing such incidents from happening,” he added.

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com