Lawmaker Announces Bill to Ban Children’s Toy Due to Serious Health Risk

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) has announced legislation that would impose a nationwide ban on water beads marketed as children’s toys due to serious health risks.

(L) Undated x-ray showing expanded water beads inside the body of a child; (R) Undated photo of a child playing with a tub of water beads. CPSC

A New Jersey congressman has introduced legislation that would ban water beads products that are marketed for children, warning that the colorful, water-absorbing balls that are sold as kids’ toys can be deadly.

Water beads, which are made from a water-absorbent polymer, come in a variety of bright colors, and can look like candy to young children.