Amazon, Walmart, and Target will no longer sell dangerous water bead toys. After getting pressured by lawmakers and health advocates, the three e-commerce giants confirmed their decision to halt the sales of these tiny toys.
They all agreed on Tuesday, Dec. 12, saying that they would stop selling water beads and marketing them to children before 2023 ends. The efforts of Amazon, Target, and Walmart to stop water bead sales are a big deal, especially for parents.
Dangerous Water Bead Toys Will No Longer Be Sold by Walmart, Amazon, Target
Based on the Consumer Product Safety Commission data, emergency departments across the United States reported an estimated 7,800 water bead-related injuries between 2016 and 2022.
According to UPI's latest reports, the CPSC warns parents and other people regarding the dangers of water-bead toys. Finally, Amazon, Target, and Walmart listened to the warnings of the safety agency and health advocates.
"In the interest of safety, Amazon will no longer allow the sale of water beads that are marketed to children, including as toys, art supplies, or for sensory play," said an Amazon spokesperson.
Target also confirmed a similar move to remove water beads from its store shelves and online listings. This was followed by Walmart, saying that it would restrict the sale of any water bead toys and crafts marketed to children under 9.
"Given growing safety concerns, we will no longer sell water beads marketed to children ages 12 and under," said Target's spokesperson Emily Bisek.
Before their announcements, many US lawmakers, such as Rep. Frank Pallone (New Jersey), had already urged them to ban water bead toys. The American politician said he's glad to hear that Walmart, Amazon, and Target are now trying to halt the sale of water beads.
Why Water Beads are Dangerous
Healthychildren.org explained that water beads are made of super-absorbent polymer chemicals. This is why they are also called gel beads, crystal soil, hydro orbs, and jelly beads.
When these tiny water beads are placed in water, they can grow up to 1,500 times their original sizes. They can also be reused by drying them out and reusing them.
They are used as sensory toys for children and autism and other developmental conditions. But they can also be played by other kids. However, health advocates warned that these water beads can put children's lives at risk if they get swallowed, inhaled, or placed inside ears.
Once they grow, they can cause blockages that can be life-threatening. It will also be hard to detect them in hospitals because water beads are not visible on X-rays.
