Loom Bands: A Tragedy Waiting To Happen?

More needs to be done to highlight the dangers of loom bands after a number of children got the popular children's accessory lodged in their noses.

Four children were treated at a Scottish hospital in just one week after the rubber bands became stuck, according to an article in the Journal of Laryngology & Otology.

But in a paper entitled Loom bands and young children - a tragedy waiting to happen? staff from the ENT Department at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, said there had been a surge in the popularity of the bands recently, and urged people to be aware of the potential risks.

The report's authors said: "Although the four cases presented were resolved without the need for general anaesthetic, the ever-soaring prevalence and popularity of loom bands necessitates a degree of caution and vigilance from parents, retailers and manufacturers alike.

"We believe there is an urgent need for greater public awareness of their potential hazards."

There is a risk of inhalation when objects become stuck in nasal passages, obstructing the airway, they added.

Loom bands are small loops of elastic in different colours that can be linked together to create jewellery such as necklaces and bracelets.

The Duchess of Cambridge and pop star Harry Styles have been seen wearing them - leading to an increase in popularity.

Earlier this year The Entertainer removed loom band charms from its shelves after they were found to contain the chemical phthalates, which can disrupt hormones in children.

The chemicals, which are used to soften plastics, have been banned in toys on sale in the European Union for several years.