Thai authorities have warned against colorful, water-absorbing balls dubbed “baby crystals” for their potential harm to toddlers.
The Consumer Protection Board has come out to warn against the production and sales of hydrogel granules, which can swell in size as they absorb water. The warning came after a mother posted on social media that her toddler almost died from swallowing the beads.
The board issued an order that banned the substance with heavy punishment. Those who produce, sell or import the beads into Thailand will face up to three years in prison and a THB600,000 fine.
Those who see the “dangerous” water beads sold on any platform should notify the Consumer Protect Board via hotline 1166 or website or local police station, according to Thasornatt Thanittipun of the Consumer Protection Board.
On Tuesday, a Thai woman named Kat Kattaleeya
