Magnets pose a unique risk. If a child swallows more than one magnet, they can attach to each other through the intestinal wall. The tissue between the magnets will likely lose its blood supply causing serious damage such as the death of bowel tissue or holes within the bowel. If left untreated the child can suffer from serious internal infections which can be fatal. To prevent this disastrous outcome, the magnets will need to be surgically removed and often the child will lose a section of their intestines.