Boy, 13, Has Part of Bowels Removed After Swallowing Up to 100 Magnets Allegedly Purchased on Temu

Teen Hospitalized After Swallowing Dozens of Magnets Bought Online

In a shocking incident in New Zealand, a 13-year-old boy found himself hospitalized after ingesting as many as 100 magnets that he had reportedly purchased online. The young boy, whose identity has been kept private, was rushed to the hospital four days after he started experiencing severe abdominal pain. He admitted to swallowing the magnets a week before his admission, as detailed in a report disclosed in the New Zealand Medical Journal on October 24.

According to reports, an X-ray examination revealed “four linear chains of magnets” attached together, comprising roughly “80–100 5x2mm high-power (neodymium) magnets.” The boy claimed to have bought these magnets from the online retailer Temu. However, Temu has not issued any confirmation regarding the origin of the items ingested.

The patient was taken care of at Tauranga Hospital, where medical experts emphasized the common occurrence of foreign body ingestion among pediatric patients. While most incidents resolve without complications, some cases can lead to severe outcomes like perforation and fistulation, necessitating surgical intervention. The incident shed light on the rising accessibility of high-power magnets to the younger population due to their availability on online platforms at low costs.

Photos accompanying the study showcased the extraction process, revealing that the magnets were scattered across the boy’s intestines but clung together due to magnetic forces. Following surgery, the boy was discharged from the hospital eight days later, with doctors noting a successful recovery in his diet plan. However, health professionals stressed that swallowing magnets could result in serious health risks such as obstruction, fistula, and sepsis, even when promptly addressed.

Restrictions on the sale of small, high-powered magnets exist in countries like Australia and New Zealand to ensure product safety. Nonetheless, challenges persist in regulating purchases from foreign suppliers and online marketplaces, making it easier for minors to access banned materials. Researchers highlighted the ease with which these products can be obtained due to their affordability and the absence of stringent age verification processes in certain online markets.

Temu, the online retailer from which the boy allegedly purchased the magnets, has not issued a direct response to the incident. However, a spokesperson expressed regret over the event and wished the boy a quick recovery. The company assured ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with safety regulations within the markets they operate in. Any non-compliant products will be promptly removed, and appropriate action will be taken against sellers breaching platform rules or local laws.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of product safety regulations and the need for stringent enforcement to prevent similar mishaps in the future. The boy’s experience also underscores the potential dangers lurking in everyday items and the critical role of parental supervision in safeguarding children from harm. As technology continues to advance, vigilance in monitoring online purchases and educating young individuals on the risks associated with certain products becomes increasingly crucial.