Magnetix Magnetic Building Set
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Additional serious injuries to children reported
following the March 31, 2006 recall announcement of Magnetix Magnetic
Building Sets have prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
and Mega Brands America, Inc. ("Mega Brands") (the new owner of Rose Art
Industries, Inc.) to announce an expanded recall. In excess of 4 million
units are involved. The recall includes all sets, except newer Magnetix
sets sold since March 31, 2006, that are age-labeled 6+ and sets that
contain the following caution label:
"CAUTION: Do not ingest or inhale magnets.
Attraction of magnets in the body may cause
serious injury and require immediate medical care."
Mega Brands advises that sets currently at retail better retain magnets
due to improved quality control, material and design changes. These
products are not included in the recall.
To date, CPSC and Mega Brands are aware of one death, one aspiration and
27 intestinal injuries. Emergency surgical intervention was needed in
all but one case. At least 1,500 incidents of magnets separating from
the building pieces have been reported. Although the hazard was
initially thought to be a problem primarily for children younger than
six, it has since been learned that at least ten injuries involved
children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old.
If a child swallows more than one tiny powerful magnet detached from the
plastic building pieces or one such magnet and a metallic object, the
objects can attract to each other inside the intestines and cause
perforations and/or blockage, which can be fatal, if not treated
immediately.
"CPSC is deeply concerned about the dangers that small, powerful magnets
can pose to children if swallowed," said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy
Nord. "In order for any product recall to be effective in protecting
consumers, we must significantly reduce incidents and injuries from
occurring after the recall is announced." Mega Brands has been
cooperative in this expanded recall.
These older sets, which were manufactured in China, contain up to 250
plastic building pieces and 1/2-inch diameter steel balls. The building
pieces include 1 1/2-inch squares, 1-inch triangles, cylinder rods,
flexors, connectors, x-tenders, and curves and come in an assortment of
colors such as metallic, primary, translucent, and glow in the dark.
Mass merchants and other toy and arts and crafts stores sold the sets
nationwide for between $20 and $60, depending on the size of the set.
Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and
contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy. If consumers are
uncertain as to whether their product is being recalled, they can
contact Mega Brands at (800) 779-7122 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET
Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site
To see a picture of the recalled product(s) visit the CPSC's web site.
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