Pallone Announces Legislation to Ban Water Beads that are Dangerous and Potentially Deadly for Children

NEPTUNE, NJ—Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) held a press conference today at Jersey Shore University Medical Center to announce legislation he is introducing this week to ban water beads marketed for kids. Water beads are colorful, water-absorbing balls that are sold as children’s toys and often look like candy. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they are a danger to young children and can be deadly if swallowed.

“Water beads come in all sorts of bright rainbow colors, tend to look like candy, and are often labeled as non-toxic,” Congressman Pallone said. “They look and sound fun, but the reality is these colorful products can become deadly or cause serious injuries when swallowed by children. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to ban water beads marketed for kids nationwide. I’m grateful to everyone who joined me today to raise awareness about the danger these products pose—especially as holiday shopping begins—and I look forward to continuing to work together to advance this legislation to protect our nation’s little ones.”

The Ban Water Beads Act would direct the CPSC to enforce a ban on all water beads marketed for use by kids. The agency has received heartbreaking stories from parents whose children ingested water beads and suffered severe consequences, including grave internal injuries, lifelong health impacts, and tragic deaths. When swallowed by children, water beads can quickly absorb bodily fluids and swell to block intestines or cause other injuries. According to estimates, children ingesting water beads resulted in 7,800 emergency room visits between 2016 and 2022.

The Congressman was joined at the announcement by CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric, Dr. Harpreet Pall who serves as Chair of Pediatrics at Hackensack Meridian Health K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, Consumer Reports Associate Director for Safety Policy William Wallace, Ashley Haugen the President and Founder of That Water Bead Lady, Folichia Mitchell a parent who’s toddler suffered intestinal blockage after ingesting one water bead, and Taylor Bethard a parent whose daughter tragically passed away after ingesting a water bead from a children’s toy kit.

“I have heard heartbreaking stories from parents whose children ingested water beads and suffered horrendous consequences, including grave internal injuries, lifelong health impacts, and even death,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “All small children who have access to water beads are at risk. I thank Congressman Pallone for his leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him and with parent advocates to protect children.”

“Water beads are a nightmare for parents: they look harmless and fun, but they can be deadly,” said William Wallace, associate director of safety policy for Consumer Reports. “A recent Consumer Reports investigation found that these small, super-absorbent gel balls can grow to dangerous sizes in the body if swallowed by a child. Yet companies are marketing them as safe, leading parents to unknowingly put their children at risk. Consumer Reports is proud to endorse Congressman Pallone’s bill because parents already have enough on their plate to worry about, and they should be able to trust that toys they might buy for their children are actually safe.”

“As the largest healthcare provider in our state, dedicated to providing the best care and services for children and adults, we applaud Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.’s call for a national ban on a product severely impacting the health and well-being of so many young children in New Jersey and across the nation,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO.

“Parents have so many concerns about their children’s health that are completely out of our control,” said Harpreet Pall, M.D., MBA, CPE, chair of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. “That’s why Congressman Pallone’s call for a ban on a product that has endangered our children is so welcome, and will safeguard them from one less hazard.” 

“A toy is meant to bring joy, not tragedy,” said Ashley Haugen, Founder and President of That Water Bead Lady. “Yet, in 2017, my family’s life was turned upside down when water beads, purchased for my oldest daughter, poisoned, and critically injured my youngest daughter, Kipley. The same water beads that devastated my family remain for sale, a silent threat in any home. Today, alongside Congressman Pallone, the CPSC, and Consumer Reports, we support the Ban Water Beads Act and urge retailers to proactively remove these beads from their online platforms and shelves.”

“In November 2022, water beads caused serious injury to my daughter, Kennedy Mitchell,” said Folichia Mitchell. “These beads, sold in packs of thousands, bring a hidden risk into homes, leaving only luck to avert disaster. We must join forces to shield our children from such dangers, as they deserve more than just luck for protection. I stand in support of the Ban Water Beads Act, advocating for the right of every child to have safe toys in their home.”

"Our sweet Esther Jo is gone all because of a toy; a toy she was never allowed to play with,” said Taylor Bethard. “Water beads are not worth the risk. If you are a parent, caregiver, teacher or therapist, I urge you to remove these from your spaces immediately. Our family is thankful that the Ban Water Beads Act will help ensure that no other family endures the same tragedy we have."

“If ingested, inhaled, or inserted in ear canals, water beads absorb bodily fluids and can lead to potentially life-threatening injuries, such as intestinal or bowel obstruction, lung or ear damage,” said Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids In Danger (KID). “No amount of supervision can keep children safe from these tiny beads. KID strongly supports legislation to protect children from water beads and thank Rep. Pallone for taking action.”