Magnets in Toys

Many children's toys, like building toys, dolls, action figures, alphabet and number magnets, science and craft kits, board games and vehicle sets may contain small, powerful magnets. Toys are dangerous if the magnet itself or the item containing the powerful magnet is small enough to be swallowed.

If a child swallows more than one powerful magnet over a short period of time, the magnets can attract one another while moving through the intestines. When this happens, the magnets can twist the intestines and create a blockage and/or slowly tear through the intestinal walls, causing holes. The results can be very serious and even fatal.

Children of any age are at risk for swallowing small magnets. Both younger and older children have swallowed magnets while playing with them. Older children have swallowed them while using their teeth to separate magnetic toy pieces or while using them to mimic a tongue or cheek piercing. Younger children may mistake magnetic pieces as candy.

Always supervise children when they play and teach them how to play safely.

Safety tips

• Keep toys with small magnets out of the reach of children of any age who still tend to put non-food items in their mouth.
• Teach children of all ages that small magnets, and small items containing magnets, should never be placed in their mouth.
• Seek immediate medical care for any child who has swallowed, or is suspected of having swallowed, one or more magnets.
• Check for small magnets that may have detached from magnetic toys and immediately remove them from the play area.
• Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for children's toys.
• Store toys and games for older children separate from those for younger children.
• Check for any Canadian toy recalls involving small magnets by visiting the Consumer Product Recall section of the Health Canada Web site and entering "toy" and "magnet" as search terms.

For more information

More about the safe use of magnets:

• Facts for Hazards of Ingesting Small Magnets
  A fact sheet on the dangers of swallowing small magnets and what to do if your child does.
• Health Canada Reminds Canadians of the Dangers of Small Magnets
  A Health Canada news release warning Canadians about the dangers of children swallowing magnets.

General information about the safe use of children's products:

• Toys and Toy Boxes
  Information about how to avoid risks and safely use toys and toy boxes.
• Is Your Child Safe?
  A practical guide to help parents keep their children safe and avoid common childhood hazards.
• Safety with Radar
  An activity booklet for children, highlighting key safety messages.
• Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products
  This guide helps shoppers to be aware of potential hazards that second-hand products may pose.
• For Industry and Professionals
  An index page providing information on related guidance and regulations intended for industry and professional audiences.