Emergency doctors in the UK have issued a warning about the dangers of water beads, which may be given as Christmas gifts for children. These small, brightly colored plastic beads—also known as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals—are often marketed as craft supplies and toys. While typically just a few millimeters in size, they can expand up to 400 times their original size when exposed to liquid over 36 hours, creating a hidden danger. If swallowed, they can lead to bowel obstructions, which can be fatal.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has urged that these beads be kept far out of reach of children under five years old. While the warning is primarily for doctors to recognize potential risks while on duty, the college also aims to inform parents and caregivers about the hazard. The beads are not visible on X-rays, and in addition to causing choking, they have been linked to injuries and even deaths in the UK and overseas, according to the government's Office for Product Safety and Standards.

The RCEM advises that only older children or vulnerable adults should use the beads, and only under close supervision. Parents and caregivers are urged to seek immediate medical attention if a child is suspected of swallowing one. Dr. Salwa Malik, vice president of the RCEM, emphasized the importance of considering the potential dangers when selecting gifts, urging people to think carefully about the risks these toys pose. The RCEM alert also warns about the hazards of button or coin batteries and magnets if swallowed.