[meteorite-list] Rare earth magnets and young un's

[Ed Deckert]

Hi Doug,

Would using a compass instead of a magnet be a better way to go?  The needle 
of the compass ought to deflect very easily if the child swallowed a rare 
earth magnet, I would think.

Regards,
Ed

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "MexicoDoug" <mexicodoug at aim.com>
To: <Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2012 8:43 PM
Subject: [meteorite-list] Rare earth magnets and young un's


>
>
> Hi List
>
> Been having quite a hard time lately and no time to post or even follow my 
> most favorite-ist group!
>
> http://www.kptv.com/story/17070382/3-year-old-swallows-37-magnets-and-survives
>
> Saw this article and it is a good chance for sayin' hi, and at the same 
> time, if you are around any Jughaids n Taters toddlers that are natural 
> hunters to be, these are the symptoms to keep in mind if they discover any 
> magnets, not to be blindsided and in a terrible pinch - one magnet can do 
> it.
>
> --Not suggesting this - but if medical care is not easily accessible:  A 
> quick test, *only in experienced, cool, calm and patient hands* - a magnet 
> suspended by a thread's deflection will do it for magnets and many 
> magnetic metals, but with the utmost precaution not to get to close since 
> there is not much flesh in between such little bodies and you could 
> actually cause a perforation if it is another rare earth or a sharp piece 
> of ferromagnetic metal.
>
> --Better yet, file some iron into a baggie first, if there is the 
> possibility of a rare earth and use it to scan their digestive tract, 
> before trying the magnet on the string.
>
> A swallow disaster is good to think about ahead of time, since having 
> forethought does wonders to quell panick and mistakes.  It's no different 
> than you would expect from your employer's health treatment policies if 
> there are risks in the workplace, even if only a grandkid ocassional comes 
> by.
>
> The fast reaction in the link of this family and doctor's decision to over 
> diagnose a seemingly minor situation saved this future meteorite hunting 
> little girl's life!
>
> A single magnet will likely pass; but two ingested separately is bad news 
> all around.
>
> Kindest wishes
> Doug
> ______________________________________________
>
> Visit the Archives at 
> http://www.meteoritecentral.com/mailing-list-archives.html
> Meteorite-list mailing list
> Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com
> http://six.pairlist.net/mailman/listinfo/meteorite-list
>