Magnet Safety

When two or more magnets are swallowed, they attract each other internally. Many incidents have resulted in surgeries to remove the magnets. When a magnet has to be removed surgically, it also can require repairing the child's damaged stomach and intestines.

If you suspect magnets have been swallowed:

• Seek immediate medical attention

• Medical symptoms to watch for are: abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

• In X-rays, multiple magnetic pieces may appear as a single object.

These high-powered magnets are not the magnets off your grandfather's refrigerator door. They are up to eight times stronger than magnets that are used in toys.