The Consumer Product Safety Commission has been clear on the dangers of water beads: these products are unsafe for small children and can be deadly if swallowed. Between 2016 and 2022, hospital emergency departments reported treating at least 7,800 water bead incidents, and CPSC is aware of at least one child who died after consuming a water bead, in July 2023. In response to that death, CPSC announced a recall of the product responsible: the Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads Activity Kits. CPSC also received a report that the same water beads product seriously injured a second child, causing an intestinal obstruction that required surgery to remove. 

Today, I sent letters calling on Jo-Ann Stores, Kohl’s, Michaels, eBay, Hobby Lobby, Wish, and Shein to remove water beads from their shelves. This life-saving action would follow the lead of other major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Water beads are not safe for small children, and the consequences of having them in homes with small kids could be deadly.