Teen Hospitalized After Swallowing Nearly 200 High-Powered Magnets
A shocking case from New Zealand has once again highlighted the hidden dangers of small, high-powered magnets that are often sold as harmless desk toys or fidget items. A 13-year-old boy was hospitalized after swallowing dozens—possibly close to 200—tiny neodymium magnets. The incident, documented in the New Zealand Medical Journal , resulted in the teen losing part of his bowel following an intense surgical procedure.
According to the report, the boy had been experiencing abdominal pain for several days before finally seeking medical help. When doctors questioned him, he admitted that he had swallowed the magnets about a week earlier. Each of the magnets was extremely small—around five by two millimeters—but together, they posed a severe and life-threatening risk.
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Scans revealed that the magnets had clumped together into several chains inside his intestines. Because these magnets are incredibly strong—sometimes up to 50 times more powerful than regular refrigerator magnets—they can pull together across different parts of the digestive tract. This can pinch or trap tissue between them, cutting off blood flow and leading to a condition known as pressure necrosis, where tissue dies due to lack of circulation.
When surgeons performed an exploratory operation, they discovered multiple chains of magnets stuck together in both the small bowel and large intestine. The pressure had already caused significant tissue damage, forcing the doctors to remove a portion of the bowel to prevent further complications. Thankfully, the boy recovered after surgery and was discharged from the hospital after eight days.
The magnets reportedly had been purchased from the online retailer Temu, though the company said it could not confirm this specific case. Temu released a statement expressing concern and emphasizing that it reviews product listings to comply with safety regulations. The company added that while these products are technically lawful to sell, they can be extremely dangerous if swallowed, and it supports public awareness campaigns on magnet safety.
Despite a national ban on high-powered magnets in New Zealand since 2013, enforcement has been difficult, especially with the easy availability of such products online. Experts say these magnets often appear colorful and toy-like, making them appealing to children who may not realize their danger. Some recent social media trends have even encouraged kids to use magnets as fake piercings—on tongues or lips—which can easily lead to accidental ingestion.
Doctors and safety advocates are urging parents to be vigilant and monitor online purchases, as more than three-quarters of similar cases require surgery or endoscopic removal. The case serves as a powerful reminder that something as small as a shiny magnet can lead to devastating medical consequences if not handled responsibly.
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