"Lawmaker Urges National Ban on Risky Children's Toy"

Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. of New Jersey is introducing a bill in the House of Representatives to ban water beads, a children's toy that poses significant health risks. Water beads are tiny balls made of absorbent polymer material that can expand when exposed to liquid, causing severe discomfort, vomiting, dehydration, intestinal blockages, and life-threatening injuries if ingested. The beads are often marketed as crafts or tactile toys for children with autism, but they can be easily lost or dropped, making them dangerous for young children. The bill aims to ensure consumer safety and prevent further incidents involving water beads.