Crystal soil used for hydroponic gardening is a superabsorbent polymer bead that expands to over 100 times its original size when it absorbs water. (Photo courtesy of the Korea Consumer Agency)
SEOUL, June 26 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s consumer watchdog has issued a safety advisory following a rise in accidents involving water-absorbing polymer beads—commonly known as “water beads” or “crystal soil”—which are increasingly popular as children’s sensory play toys.
The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) announced on Wednesday that it had issued the alert after continued reports of children swallowing the beads, which can expand to more than 100 times their original size when exposed to water. These high-absorption polymers, marketed under names like “water beads” or “frog eggs,” are designed for decorative or horticultural purposes but are often misused as toys for young children.
When ingested, the beads can absorb moisture inside the body, potentially leading to intestinal blockage. Due to their bright colors and candy-like appearance, toddlers are particularly prone to mistaking them for edible items. Worse, many young children are unable to explain what happened, delaying medical response.
Between 2020 and December 2023, 102 incidents related to water beads were reported through the national Consumer Injury Surveillance System. All involved children under 14, with 67.6% of the cases occurring in toddlers aged 1–3 years. Most accidents happened at home and stemmed either from ingestion (44.1%) or insertion into the nose or ears (54.9%).
Notable incidents include a 1-year-old girl who developed abdominal swelling and vomiting a week after swallowing a bead, and a 3-year-old boy who required emergency treatment after placing more than 20 beads in his nose and ears. In the U.S., a 10-month-old baby died in Wisconsin in July 2023 from intestinal obstruction caused by ingesting a water bead, prompting legislative efforts to ban them as children’s products.
In South Korea, toys that expand more than 50% from their original size are prohibited for sale as playthings. However, water beads are still legally sold for gardening and interior decoration if labeled accordingly. Despite these restrictions, many households have continued to allow young children to play with them.
The KCA urged parents and caregivers to use water beads strictly for their intended purposes, store them safely out of children’s reach, and thoroughly clean up after use. In case of suspected ingestion or bodily insertion, caregivers should seek immediate medical attention.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
