05 November 2007

Parents warned about health effects of poisonous beads

NSW Minister for Health, Reba Meagher, tonight issued a warning for parents to ensure children avoid swallowing beads from the children's toy Bindeez after two recent poisoning cases presented at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Ms Meagher said two children, aged 2 and 10, had been taken to the hospital's Emergency Department in a serious condition in the past week after swallowing a number of the beads in separate incidents.

"The first child presented to the emergency department early in the week of 29 October and the second child was taken to the hospital last Saturday evening, 3 November," Ms Meagher said.

"Tests undertaken at the hospital showed that the beads contained 1,4-butanediol - a chemical which metabolises in the body into a toxin called 4 hydroxybutyrate (also known as gammahydroxybutyrate)."

Deputy Medical Director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre at The Children's Hospital at Westmead Dr Naren Gunja warned of the dangers and symptoms for parents to look out for.

"The symptoms are not long term but are potentially life-threatening," Dr Gunja said.

"Parents who think their child may have swallowed the beads should look for symptoms such as drowsiness, reduced levels of consciousness and any unexplained fits or seizures.

"Children who have swallowed the beads and are showing any of these symptoms should receive immediate medical treatment."

Dr Gunja said in both cases over the past two weeks the children had swallowed a large quantity of the beads.

Minister Meagher said that parents should take action to remove Bindeez beads from the reach of children until further advice is provided.

"Parents are urged to place the beads out of the way of children and to ensure that they are safely stored," Ms Meagher said.

Ms Meagher said parents who had concerns could contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on        9845 3585.

Related links:

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au