Water Beads

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Hello friends—former regular poster turned SAHM here—just saw this story about water beads causing serious injury when ingested & how many ingestions happen at school & I though wowie my old school nurse buddies need this resource!

Flyer for Educators

There’s more information on http://ThatWaterBeadLady.org

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

Thank you!

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Specializes in kids.

Urghhh!!!!

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

I have never ever heard of 'water beads'. How are they used in education?

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Thanks for bringing this to AN members attention

Poison Control -Are Water Beads Toxic?

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Water beads contain super absorbent polymers that can expand to hundreds of times their original size, after exposure to water (up to 300 times per some material).

These beads, which are often sold as toys for young children, can cause life-threatening intestinal blockage if swallowed.

water-jellygel-polymer-beads_b631afb9.pn

 Picture from: https://www.socochem.com/water-jellygel-polymer-beads.html

Water Jelly/Gel Polymer Beads

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Water beads are made of super absorbent polymer. It can absorb large amount of water and turn to a bigger ball.

Water gels are used for:

  • Watering or potting plants.
  • Use in gardens to save water.
  • Supplying water to small animals as an alternative to supplying water in a dish. Some small animals tend to fall into dishes of water and drown.
  • Colorful decorations or artificial snow.
  • In a dry state as absorbent filler inside disposable diapers.
  • In a dry state in large bags for controlling or containing floods.

 

 

Multi-Purpose use:

 

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  • Parties & wedding centerpieces. See photography ideas
  • Home decoration, a vase filled with fresh cut flowers, bamboo, floating candles, air freshener
  • Sensory play activities. Lots of ideas
  • Crafts for water beads (I.e., Ornament, ice pack, neck cooler)
  • Kids orbeez toys and games refill etc.
  • Great for gifts.
  • After all fun projects, mix the beads with soil in plants to retain moisture. Or dispose of the beads in the trash.

https://www.moistsap.com/product-page/cosmo-beads-blue-water-beads

 

UGH....... another thing to worry about with kids and Summer camp.

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Specializes in Med nurse in med-surg., float, HH, and PDN.

Gosh they sound TERRIBLE for kids to have around. Ought to be taken off the market as toys or parts of toys.

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