Magnets attract a bad rap
MAGNETS can be a fun part of children's toys, but one Warwick woman is speaking up about their dangers.
Desirea Griffith said her 10-year-old daughter was hospitalised after getting two magnetic balls, sold in a chain, lodged in her nostrils.
Despite prior warnings, Mrs Griffith said young girls would use them as fake piercings and she wanted to warn parents.
"My daughter nearly had to be put under and thankfully there was no lasting damage," she said.
"I don't think people realise the seriousness and kids need to know they're dangerous.
"These aren't toys and they aren't jewellery."
Former consumer affairs minister David Bradbury banned magnets this size in 2012.
"If a child swallows more than one of these magnets they can attract to each other across the intestinal wall and perforate the intestine, leading to serious injury or possibly death," Mr Bradbury said.
"Teenagers have also needed surgery after using these magnets to imitate mouth or tongue piercings."
Magnets cannot be sold as toys or as jewellery worn around the mouth or nose, and must have prominent age gradings and warnings.
