Major Retailers Suspend Sales of Water Beads Marketed to Children

The decision comes amid growing safety concerns, with an estimated 7,800 water bead-related injuries reported between 2016 and 2022.

Major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart have announced they will suspend the sale of water-bead products marketed to children due to safety concerns.
Water beads, often sold as toys or sensory tools, can cause severe discomfort and life-threatening injuries if ingested or lodged in ears.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an estimated 7,800 water bead-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms between 2016 and 2022.
Other retailers such as eBay and Etsy have also implemented policies limiting or prohibiting water-bead sales.
U.S. Rep Frank Pallone Jr. introduced legislation last month to ban all water beads marketed for children's use nationwide.