Suffocation risks you may not know: Small household items can be big hazards

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In Hong Kong families, it's common for young children to explore their home environment and put objects in their mouths, sucking or chewing on them. Many parents might think of coins, small balls, or candy as choking hazards, but there are many other hidden factors you may not be aware of. Below, we've compiled several potential choking/swallowing risks and corresponding prevention tips.

I. Choking/Swallowed Objects You May Overlook

1. Button batteries : These have been found in numerous cases of children accidentally swallowing them worldwide. Products from these batteries have also received warnings from government departments in Hong Kong.

2. Small magnets or multi-magnetic toys : If a young child swallows two or more strong magnets, the magnets may attract each other in the intestines, causing perforation.

3. Windmill fragments/broken windmills : Flattened or broken windmills can be easily swallowed by young children and cause airway obstruction.

4. Small parts toys and accessories : such as small building blocks, doll accessories, small balls, beanbag filling beads, etc.

5. Denture pendants, toy chains, ropes/belts : Although they may seem like decorative items, they can be a source of risk if they break or have swallowable parts.

6. Objects other than food : household items such as magnets, small screws, coins, and beads can all be accidentally swallowed by young children.

7. Tumbling over water bottles, plastic bags, and packaging bags : While the primary risk is suffocation, there may also be a risk of swallowing.

II. Why are these risks more noteworthy in Hong Kong families?

• Hong Kong residential spaces are generally small with limited storage space, and toys, small items, and children's activity areas often overlap.

• When multiple family members and children of different ages are together, small parts of "older children's toys" may fall within the reach of young children.

• Imported or inexpensive toys may have incomplete labeling or inadequate safety testing, and Hong Kong authorities have issued warnings for certain toys.

III. Prevention strategies that parents can adopt

• Age rating guidelines : When purchasing toys, confirm the appropriate age and pay attention to warnings such as "not suitable for children under 36 months" or "contains small parts".

• Perform a "small parts test" : Use a paper tube/small parts tester to check if the object is too small. If it can completely enter the small parts test tube, it is a risky object.

• Regularly check the condition of toys : If a toy is damaged, has loose parts, or has a risk of losing magnets, it should be removed from the child's play area immediately.

• Age-appropriate toys : Set up a dedicated area for toddlers and lock small parts of toys for older children or adults in storage boxes or high places.

• Supervise meals and play : Especially for children under 3 years old, do not allow them to run around or play while eating; they should also be supervised by an adult during play.

• Safe storage of hazardous items : Button batteries, small magnets, screws, parts, etc. should be stored out of reach of young children.

• Teach children not to put non-food objects in their mouths : Parents can establish safety awareness through communication and demonstration.

• Waste items should be disposed of immediately : broken windmills, damaged toys, and scattered small parts should be removed immediately.

IV. Conclusion

Choking and swallowing are not as simple as "a coin falling into the mouth." Many items you might consider "harmless" or "small" actually pose risks in the world a young child explores. For Hong Kong families, it's crucial to proactively identify and address hidden dangers in daily life. A little more vigilance and checking can significantly reduce the likelihood of such accidents. Let's work together to create a safer environment for our children to grow up in.

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