Press Releases

WASHINGTON—U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), and Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the Ban Water Beads Act, legislation to ban water beads marketed for kids. Water beads are colorful, water-absorbing balls that are sold as children’s toys and often look like candy. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), they are a danger to young children and can be deadly if swallowed.

“As the mom of a toddler, I know dangerous toys that look fun but actually have harmful–or even deadly–consequences are every parent’s nightmare,” said Pettersen. “I can’t imagine what the parents of kids who ingested these water beads are going through, and we cannot allow this product to continue harming children in Colorado or anywhere in our country. Especially as parents begin shopping for the holidays, I’m proud to join Representatives Pallone and Kelly on this bill to ban water beads and keep kids safe.”

“Water beads come in all sorts of bright rainbow colors, tend to look like candy, and are often labeled as non-toxic,” said Pallone. “They look and sound fun, but the reality is these colorful products can become deadly or cause serious injuries when swallowed by children. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to ban water beads marketed for kids nationwide. I’m grateful to everyone who joined me today to raise awareness about the danger these products pose—especially as holiday shopping begins—and I look forward to continuing to work together to advance this legislation to protect our nation’s little ones.”

Click here to access the full bill text.

The Ban Water Beads Act would direct the CPSC to enforce a ban on all water beads marketed for use by kids. The agency has received heartbreaking stories from parents whose children ingested water beads and suffered severe consequences, including grave internal injuries, lifelong health impacts, and tragic deaths. When swallowed by children, water beads can quickly absorb bodily fluids and swell to block intestines or cause other injuries. According to estimates, children ingesting water beads resulted in 7,800 emergency room visits between 2016 and 2022.

“In November 2022, water beads caused serious injury to my daughter, Kennedy Mitchell,” said Folichia Mitchell. “These beads, sold in packs of thousands, bring a hidden risk into homes, leaving only luck to avert disaster. We must join forces to shield our children from such dangers, as they deserve more than just luck for protection. I stand in support of the Ban Water Beads Act, advocating for the right of every child to have safe toys in their home.” Folichia Mitchell is a parent whose toddler suffered intestinal blockage after ingesting one water bead.

"Our sweet Esther Jo is gone all because of a toy; a toy she was never allowed to play with,” said Taylor Bethard. “Water beads are not worth the risk. If you are a parent, caregiver, teacher or therapist, I urge you to remove these from your spaces immediately. Our family is thankful that the Ban Water Beads Act will help ensure that no other family endures the same tragedy we have." Taylor Bethard is a parent whose daughter tragically passed away after ingesting a water bead from a children’s toy kit.

“I have heard heartbreaking stories from parents whose children ingested water beads and suffered horrendous consequences, including grave internal injuries, lifelong health impacts, and even death,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “All small children who have access to water beads are at risk. I thank the Representatives for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him and with parent advocates to protect children.”

“A toy is meant to bring joy, not tragedy,” said Ashley Haugen, Founder and President of That Water Bead Lady. “Yet, in 2017, my family’s life was turned upside down when water beads, purchased for my oldest daughter, poisoned, and critically injured my youngest daughter, Kipley. The same water beads that devastated my family remain for sale, a silent threat in any home. We support the Ban Water Beads Act and urge retailers to proactively remove these beads from their online platforms and shelves.”

“If ingested, inhaled, or inserted in ear canals, water beads absorb bodily fluids and can lead to potentially life-threatening injuries, such as intestinal or bowel obstruction, lung or ear damage,” said Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids In Danger (KID). “No amount of supervision can keep children safe from these tiny beads.”