Teenage Boy Loses Part of Bowel After Swallowing Nearly 100 High-Powered Magnets

A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand has undergone major surgery and lost part of his bowel after swallowing close to 100 high-powered magnets, in what doctors describe as a shocking and life-threatening incident. The case, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, has reignited global concerns over the safety of these tiny but extremely dangerous objects.

According to the report, the boy ingested an estimated 80 to 100 neodymium magnets—each measuring only a few millimetres—before experiencing severe stomach pain that lasted four days. When he was finally taken to the hospital, scans revealed the magnets had formed several chains inside his body. Their powerful magnetic force caused sections of his bowel and large intestine to clamp together, cutting off blood flow and leading to tissue death, a condition known as pressure necrosis.

Doctors performed emergency surgery to remove the magnet clusters. However, parts of the boy’s bowel were too damaged to save and had to be removed. He spent eight days recovering in hospital before being discharged.

Neodymium magnets are marketed globally as desk toys or stress relievers for adults, but medical experts warn they can cause devastating injuries when swallowed—especially by children. Once more than one magnet is ingested, they can attract each other through intestinal walls, leading to blockages, perforations, or even fatal infections.

The case has also drawn attention to the challenges of regulating the sale of such magnets. Although countries like New Zealand and Australia have permanently banned them, they remain easily accessible online. The boy reportedly told doctors he bought the magnets through the online retailer Temu. The company responded that while it could not confirm the claim, products on its platform comply with New Zealand regulations. “While these products are lawful to sell, they can be dangerous if swallowed, and we support efforts to raise public awareness about magnet safety,” Temu said in a statement.

Globally, safety regulators have been taking steps to curb similar incidents. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission introduced a mandatory safety standard in 2022 to limit the strength of loose magnets sold for entertainment or relaxation.

Health authorities are urging parents and guardians—both in New Zealand and worldwide—to keep high-powered magnets out of reach of children. Experts emphasize that even a few swallowed magnets can lead to catastrophic injury, calling the New Zealand case a stark reminder of the hidden dangers behind small but powerful household objects.