A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand was rushed to hospital after ingesting dozens of small, powerful magnets he had bought online. The case, detailed this week in a medical journal, underscores the hazards of high-strength magnetic toys and the challenges of policing cross-border online sales.
Timeline: how the incident unfolded in Tauranga
The teenager arrived at Tauranga Hospital after several days of abdominal pain. He told clinicians he swallowed the magnets about a week earlier.
- An X-ray revealed multiple chains of magnets linked inside his abdomen.
- Doctors estimated the pieces numbered between 80 and 100.
- Surgery was required to remove the magnetic clusters.
- The boy was discharged eight days after the operation and placed on a monitored diet.
What doctors found and how they removed the magnets
Imaging showed the magnets had formed at least four linear groupings. Clinicians reported the items were small, high-power neodymium magnets, about 5×2 mm each.
Although the magnets sat in different bowel segments, their magnetic attraction caused them to adhere. That bonding can trap sections of intestine together.
Surgeons removed the objects and repaired affected tissue. Follow-up photos in the medical report illustrated the retrieval and the clustered appearance of the magnets.
Health dangers tied to swallowing high-strength magnets
Medical teams warn these magnets can cause severe internal damage. Even when symptoms appear early, complications can develop.
- Pressure necrosis from constant compression of bowel walls.
- Perforation or tearing of the intestinal tract.
- Obstruction of the digestive tract.
- Formation of fistulas between adjacent bowel loops.
- Risk of life-threatening infection and sepsis.
Why these magnets are still available despite bans
Australia and New Zealand prohibit the sale of small, powerful magnets. Still, researchers note it is hard to control purchases from foreign sellers and online marketplaces.
Investigators suggested easy access is partly due to low prices and limited age checks. That can let minors obtain banned items without oversight.
Online marketplace response and safety oversight
The boy told clinicians he bought the magnets through an online seller. The platform named in reports has said it is investigating.
Company statement and next steps
A spokesperson expressed regret for the reported incident and said the team is reviewing listings for compliance. They added they could not yet confirm whether the exact product came from their site.
- The company said it monitors sellers and will remove noncompliant products.
- They also warned they would act against vendors breaching platform rules.
Advice for parents, caregivers and retailers
Health experts urge adults to secure small magnets and to supervise toys and gadgets with detachable parts. Retailers and platforms are encouraged to strengthen age checks and remove unsafe listings.
- Keep small, powerful magnets out of reach of children.
- Confirm age verification on sales of potentially hazardous items.
- Report dangerous or misleading product listings to local authorities.
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