Tensions are mounting within the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) following a controversial delay in finalizing regulations on water beads—small, brightly colored polymer pellets that pose serious risks to children. Despite longstanding concerns and tragic incidents tied to these products, efforts to enforce stricter safety measures have hit a political roadblock.
Water beads, also known as sensory beads or gel beads, have raised red flags among health and safety experts due to their capacity to expand significantly when exposed to liquids. When ingested, they can grow large enough to obstruct a child’s digestive or respiratory system. Tragically, in 2023, the death of a 10-month-old girl was reportedly linked to swallowing water beads, underscoring the potential danger these toys present in a household with small children.
For years, the CPSC has warned caregivers about the hazards posed by water beads. The commission had been poised to release a final regulatory decision on the matter in mid-July 2025. However, that anticipated announcement did not come. Two commissioners within the agency are now publicly criticizing the delay, accusing Acting Chair Peter Feldman of halting the process without any formal explanation.
Commissioner Richard Trumka, Jr., in a sharply worded statement, expressed frustration over the stalled action. He emphasized that July 16 was intended to mark a critical turning point for child safety, with the release of a rule that could have curtailed injuries and fatalities linked to water beads. Instead, he says, the commission was silenced.
Trumka also charged Feldman with calling off the commission’s yearly priorities meeting—an essential platform for the public, including concerned parents, to express their views. “The well-being of children is too vital for hesitation,” Trumka stated, pressing Feldman to proceed with genuine safety initiatives instead of putting off decisions endlessly.
Another commissioner, Alexander Hoehn-Saric, echoed those concerns, calling for transparency regarding the reasons behind the delay of both the water bead regulation and another pending rule addressing button battery hazards.
The CPSC responded by asserting that there had been no delay in the formal process and maintained that the agency was following standard regulatory procedures. A spokesperson emphasized that current operations are in line with executive directives aimed at promoting interagency review and ensuring consistency in rulemaking.
The controversy surrounding the decision on water beads occurs alongside more extensive political upheaval within the commission itself. In May 2025, the President dismissed three commissioners who had been appointed by the previous leader. Even though a federal district court later overturned those dismissals, the administration appealed to the Supreme Court in an effort to regain authority over the autonomous agency.
The ongoing legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the CPSC’s internal dynamics. The agency, which typically operates with a five-member commission, has been embroiled in instability as the White House seeks to reshape its leadership. Feldman, initially nominated during the President’s first term and later elevated to acting chair, has faced scrutiny for decisions that critics say prioritize politics over public welfare.
At the same time, retail companies have reacted to the increasing controversy. Large brands such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target have taken water bead products off their shelves, especially those aimed at children. This decision comes after pressure from legislators, health authorities, and worried parents.
The inherent danger of water beads lies in their composition. Made from a superabsorbent polymer, these tiny pellets can increase in size up to 100 times when exposed to water—or bodily fluids, if ingested. As a result, they have been linked to intestinal blockages, respiratory complications, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Despite the lack of a formal ban, the CPSC has issued public safety advisories, urging families to keep water beads away from young children and remove any existing products from the home. These warnings remain in effect while the commission navigates internal disagreements and external legal challenges.
Compounding the issue, the CPSC also failed to move forward with a separate ruling last week aimed at mitigating risks associated with button batteries. These small batteries, often found in toys and electronic devices, can become deadly if swallowed. Once ingested, they may interact with saliva to create an electrical current capable of causing severe burns to the esophagus.
For families and child safety advocates, the delays raise questions about the agency’s ability to act decisively in the face of known hazards. While bureaucratic procedures and legal processes play a role in shaping policy, critics argue that preventable injuries and deaths should not be a casualty of political indecision.
As the internal conflict at the CPSC continues to unfold, the fate of the water bead regulation remains uncertain. The case is a stark example of how regulatory processes—often invisible to the public—can have direct, sometimes life-threatening consequences for everyday consumers, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
Without swift action, families are left to navigate product safety on their own, relying on corporate decisions, public warnings, and personal vigilance to protect their children. The challenge now falls not only on regulators, but also on the broader public to demand accountability, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to child safety.
