Parents, if your child plays with aquabeads, there is a potential skin hazard.
After playing with the stick-with-water bead toy, a child’s epidermis (top) layer of skin peeled from the top third of every finger. Not only is this condition painful, but it can lead to a serious infection.
If your child has had a skin reaction after playing with Aquabeads, a toy designed for children aged four years and up, please contact child injury lawyer Jeffrey Killino.
On its website, Aquabeads is advertised as a “fun and safe product for children to enjoy hours of creative fun and perfect for children aged 4 years and up.”
It was invented by Japanese toy manufacturer Epoch in 2004 and marketed as “the world’s first ever stick-with-water bead toy… now loved by children in over 45 countries and regions.”
Aquabeads Warning
Epoch has reported one incident unrelated to this skin issue. “The beads entered the child’s ear and were taken out at a medical institution.” Epoch warns:“ Beads can easily stick to the skin due to moisture. If beads get into your ear, please refrain from bathing and showering as much as possible to prevent moisture from getting into your ear until you see a doctor.
The official Aquabeads website lists its ingredients as safe. The main ingredient in the beads is PVOH (PVA/polyvinyl alcohol). There have been no reports to suggest that PVOH is toxic. It has also been approved as a pharmaceutical excipient (additive), and is used in coatings for pills/tablets etc. PVOH is also used in other products including the glue used in stamps of the type that are affixed by applying moisture.
The tab “For Parents” lists “Important Information” at the bottom of the page in small print:
- Please read the instructions carefully along with your child.
- Not intended for human consumption.
- During all creative activities we recommend that children wear overalls and/or old clothes, and that you cover furnishings and carpets.
- Do not apply to clothing, furniture, etc. as the colour dye may transfer and stain. If wet beads come into contact with clothing, wash following manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use the Layout Tray provided. Use Aquabeads on a flat work surface.
- To avoid colour fade, do not keep the beads in the sunlight.
- Ensure that the beads are kept in a dry place to avoid the beads deforming.
- Do not keep or play with Aquabeads in high temperatures or humid conditions.
- Do not touch the beads with wet hands.
- Retain instructions for future reference.
Toys such as Aquabeads are purchased by parents who trust that they are manufactured, marketed, and sold for a child’s use will be safe for that child’s use.
Sadly, this is not always the case. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), dangerous toys and other products continue to pose risks for children across the country. Toys like Aquabeads can lead to injuries that would have been preventable had the toy been safely manufactured or designed.
If a child uses Aquabeads as intended and is aged four and older, the manufacturer may nevertheless be found liable for certain injuries sustained by the child while playing with the toy.
If your child has suffered a skin injury by Aquabeads, a children’s defective-product lawyer can help you pursue your legal rights. Contact toy- and children’s product-injury attorney Jeffrey Killino at 877-875-2927 for expert assistance in obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled.
