Anker Play Products 10-in-1 Incredible Inventions Science Kit is being recalled because it violates the federal lead paint ban. Paint on the blue and red magnet contains levels of lead that exceed the ban limits. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause health problems that range from developmental delays to hearing loss and learning difficulties. The product packaging also lacks the required warning labels for magnets and balloons, which can cause injury if swallowed. Balloons are inappropriate toys for any child under the age of eight, and for children under three, they pose a choking hazard. Swallowed magnets can damage the intestinal tract. About 13,000 of the recalled units were sold. The Anker Play Products 10-in-1 Incredible Inventions Science Kit was sold … [Read more...]
In Canada, Magnetics Spheres Recalled for Ingestion Hazard
Indigo Books & Music is voluntarily recalling powerful magnetic spheres and 4 x 4 magnetic squares that can be used to build sculptures and shapes because of a risk assessment conducted by Health Canada. The government has determined that the sets are a "danger to human health and safety because they contain small powerful magnets which can be easily swallowed or inhaled by children." Similar products have been recalled and banned in the United States. The tiny magnets do not pass through the digestive system. When more than one magnet is swallowed, they pinch together, create blockages in the GI tract, and can tear through intestinal walls, causing perforations. This can be life-threatening and can cause serious long-term health problems. There have no reports of consumer … [Read more...]
CSPC Issues Final Rule on Hazardous Buckyball-like Magnets
The Consumer Product Safety Commission voted on a final rule today to address hazards posed to children by high-powered magnets. The vote was 4-0 to issue the rule. These products are bb-shaped smooth balls or cubes, such as Buckyballs and other products, that connect with a powerful magnetic bond. Many of these high powered magnets were recalled in 2010. In November 2011, CPCS issued a safety warning to consumers about these products. Injuries were still occurring, even though the products were supposed to be sold only to children over the age of 14. CPSC negotiated voluntary plans with all but three of the magnet set importers. Two importers did not agree to stop selling the magnets and another resumed selling them; two of these companies later reached a settlement with CPSC. A … [Read more...]
