Are Water Beads Dangerous?

What are water beads made of?

Water beads are made from superabsorbent polymers. Superabsorbent polymers can be synthetic (man-made) or natural. Most superabsorbent polymers marketed today are synthetic and are made from petroleum products, polyacrylate, and other acrylics. These substances undergo chemical reactions to form polymers (large chains of molecules). The polymers that are formed can absorb large amounts of water without dissolving.

Many brands of water beads are made outside of the US, where safety standards are not the same. In fact, some water beads have been found to have amounts of the chemical acrylamide that might be concerning. But since acrylamide is also found in many foods and products in our environment, it remains unclear whether the amount of acrylamide found in some water beads poses a health risk when these beads are swallowed. What is clear is that the risk of intestinal obstruction from swallowing water beads far outweighs any possible risk of toxicity from acrylamide.

How do water beads work?

The polymers that are present in water beads are superabsorbent. When exposed to water, they can absorb and retain hundreds of times their weight in water without dissolving. This allows the beads to increase in volume by 150–1500 times after exposure to water. Some of these beads are initially the size of marbles and can expand to the size of tennis balls after they are immersed in water.

What are water beads used for?

Water beads were initially used as agricultural products intended to maintain soil moisture. Florists use them to keep floral arrangements hydrated. Currently, water beads are used as fluid absorbers in baby diapers, incontinence garments, and menstrual pads. They are also marketed as children’s toys or therapies for children with sensory processing or autism spectrum disorders. Some brands of toy water beads include Orbeez, MarvelBeads, and Elongdi. Water beads sold as toys are often brightly colored and can resemble candy. These qualities make water beads appealing to young children, who might swallow them or put them into their ear, nose, or other body openings.

Are water beads dangerous if swallowed?

Although the polymers used to manufacture water beads are often labeled as non-toxic, this does not mean that they are not potentially dangerous. The beads can absorb fluid and expand in the intestinal tract after they are swallowed, and this can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening intestinal blockage. If they get lodged in the airway, they can cause choking and obstruction as well. Water beads can also be dangerous if put into the ear or nose because they can cause tissue damage and might require surgical removal.

Are water beads toxic?

The dangers associated with water beads are mostly related to their ability to expand dramatically as they absorb fluid in the gut if they are swallowed. Intestinal blockage after swallowing even a single water bead can be serious, even life-threatening. Children who are allowed to play with water beads must be carefully supervised. A lesser concern is chemical toxicity. While water beads are often labeled as non-toxic, a few brands manufactured outside the US have been found to contain acrylamide, which can be toxic in large amounts or if people are exposed over a long period of time. But no matter what the chemical composition, the most important water bead risk is related to the ability of these beads to expand.

What is acrylamide?

Acrylamide is used in the production of many products, including dyes and cosmetics. It is also used in soil and sewage (wastewater) treatment and in many industrial processes, such as paper production.

Acrylamide is produced in foods during cooking at high temperatures, with especially high concentrations in French fries, potato chips, crackers, and breakfast cereal. Even coffee and cocoa contain significant amounts of acrylamide. Because it is so common in the world around us, most people are exposed to low levels of acrylamide every day. Exposure to high levels of acrylamide or repeated exposure over time has been associated with adverse health effects, including central nervous system problems and decreased fertility. But to put the risk of acrylamide toxicity from water beads in perspective, a cup of French fries likely contains more acrylamide than the amount released from 100 of the high-level acrylamide-containing water beads that are in the stomach for 24 hours.

Acrylamide is considered a probable human carcinogen. For this reason, government agencies have set limits on the amount of acrylamide that is allowed in the water, in certain products, and in the work environment.

Why did the US Consumer Product Safety Commission issue a warning on water beads?

There have been warnings issued about choking and intestinal blockage associated with water beads. In March 2024, warnings were issued regarding 2 water bead products (Jangostor and Tuladuo) because the amount of acrylamide in them exceeded the current US safety standard. In 2023, a bill was introduced in the US House of Representatives that, if passed, would have classified water beads as “banned hazardous products.” 

Can water beads kill you?

Swallowing water beads can cause life-threatening intestinal damage. At least 3 deaths have occurred after water bead ingestion by children. A 6-month-old boy suffered an intestinal blockage after swallowing a single superabsorbent polymer bead given to him by a neighbor. The boy underwent surgery to fix the intestinal obstruction, but later developed an infection and died. Water beads are also a choking hazard, especially for children younger than 3 years of age.

How do you dispose of water beads?

Used water beads can be disposed of in the trash. Superabsorbent polymers biodegrade over time in the environment. They are unlikely to contaminate the soil or environment.

What if my child swallows a water bead?

If you or a loved one swallows a water bead, reach out to Poison Control immediately to find out what to do. Get a fast, personalized recommendation online using the webPOISONCONTROL online tool or call 1-800-222-1222. Both options are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. If someone is choking on a water bead, call 911 for immediate medical attention.

Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD
Medical Toxicologist

Revised Maryann Amirshahi, PharmD, MD, MPH, PhD
Medical Toxicologist  

Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD
Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus 

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