Can you eat magnets?
Quick Answer
No
Eating magnets can be extremely dangerous. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract each other through the walls of the intestines, causing blockages, perforations, and serious life-threatening complications.
What Is It?
Magnets are objects that produce an area of magnetic force called a magnetic field. Magnets are usually made of metal, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or mixtures of these metals.
Why It Can Be Risky
Swallowing magnets poses serious health risks, especially for children.
- Blockage of the digestive tract: If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attract each other in the digestive system, causing a blockage.
- Perforation: The force exerted by the magnets can cause the walls of the intestines to perforate, leading to serious infections and potentially life-threatening conditions.
- Surgery: In many cases, surgical intervention is required to remove the magnets and repair any damage caused.