Washington, D.C. – Amazon, Walmart, and Target have announced that they will prohibit the sale of water beads for children. The companies’ commitments come after parent advocates, consumer groups, and law makers have sounded the alarm over the risk associated with water beads.
“Water beads represent a massive threat, one that’s invisible until it’s too late. I know this firsthand because the beads left my daughter with life altering injuries and a scar on her stomach she will carry for the rest of the life,” said Ashley Haugen, founder of That Water Bead Lady. “As parents we aim to ensure our homes are safe havens, not places where danger lurks in disguise. Watching companies take a proactive stance sets a precedent for corporate responsibility in child safety. It’s a move that not only saves lives but also builds trust among consumers. When parents and corporations work together, we can create a safer world for our children. Action sends the message that child safety is a priority for us all.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 7,800 emergency room visits from 2016 to 2022 were associated with water beads. Injuries have led to multiple life-threatening obstruction, surgeries, and even death.
“There are too many heartbreaking stories about children ingesting water beads and suffering life-altering injuries or death,” said Courtney Griffin, Director of Consumer Product Safety at Consumer Federation of America. “We support commitment from companies to stop the sale of these incredibly dangerous products to children. We also urge continued and robust action from companies and policy makers to ensure no other children are put at risk.”
Last month, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced legislation to ban water beads marketed for children. The Ban Water Beads Act would direct the CPSC to enforce such a ban. This week, the New Jersey Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee advanced legislation that would prohibit the sale of water beads in New Jersey.
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Consumer Federation of America is an association of nearly 250 non-profit consumer organizations that was established in 1968 to advance the consumer interest through research, advocacy, and education.
That Water Bead Lady is a nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness about the dangers of water beads and providing guidance to families impacted by product-related injuries.