Parent and caregiver awareness of the dangers of magnet ingestion

High-power neodymium magnets in consumer products represent a serious hazard to children. When multiple magnets are ingested, they can attract across bowel loops, causing pressure necrosis, fistulation, and perforation. Despite extensive reporting of clinical outcomes, caregiver awareness of the dangers of magnet ingestion remains poorly characterised. This study aimed to assess parent and caregiver knowledge of paediatric magnet ingestion, awareness of existing regulations, intended responses following ingestion, and attitudes towards regulation.

A cross-sectional study was performed at two tertiary centres in England: Southampton Children's Hospital, and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Parents and caregivers were asked to compete a structured online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis. Ethical approval was obtained (25/SW/0106).

A total of 279 responses were recorded, of which 173 were complete. Most respondents (74%, 181/244) had seen products containing high-power magnets and 64% (116/181) reported having high-power magnets in the home. Prior to completing the questionnaire, 64% (127/197) were aware that magnets could pose a danger to children. Although 66% (126/192) identified swallowing as a hazard, only 13% (24/192) were aware that attraction between magnets may cause bowel injury. Forty percent (79/196) identified attendance at an emergency department as the most appropriate response following ingestion. Most (86%, 158/184) supported stricter regulation or a ban on toys containing high-power magnets.

Gaps exist in caregiver awareness of the risks associated with paediatric magnet ingestion. These findings support the need for targeted public health education, clearer point-of-sale warnings, and strengthened regulation of products containing high-power magnets.