GREENSBORO, N.C. — When you see the words 'non-toxic' it leads you to believe it's safe, especially when you see this label on a children's toy.
"Just because something says that it's non-toxic does not mean that it is safe and that it does not mean that this product cannot potentially poison a child," said Ashley Haugen, That Water Bead Lady.
Haugen said her daughter continues suffering from long-term toxic effects of having ingested a Water Bead years ago.
"They ended up diagnosing Kipley with toxic brain encephalopathy, which is a brain injury," said Haugen.
Consumer Reports is calling for a ban on Water Beads for the swallowing issue and now the finding of toxic chemicals.
"Tests found chemicals like acrylamide, a likely carcinogen that is also toxic to the brain. And BPA, which has been linked to certain cancers and fertility issues," said Lauren Kirchner, Consumer Reports Investigative Reporter.
Consumer Reports had already been pushing for retailers and the Consumer Product Safety Division to take Water Beads off the shelves due to the danger of children ingesting the beads. When they do, it can lead to vomiting, ingestion issues, and life-threatening situations. Amazon, Target, and Walmart have now confirmed they will all stop selling the toys.
But the issue of non-toxic is even bigger than the Water Beads problems.
"Non-toxic' is a label that you see a lot, on all kinds of different types of products, but consumers might not know that it's a term that is under-enforced and un-regulated," said Kirchner.