This week, CPSC issued a strong warning to parents about the dangers of magnets. Also, after additional serious injuries were reported following a March 2006 recall, CPSC and Mega Brands America Inc. announced an expanded recall of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets. In excess of 4 million units are involved.

The recall includes all sets, except newer Magnetix sets sold since March 31, 2006. The newer sets are age-labeled 6+ and 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.”

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.

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.

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.

Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy.

In addition to this recall, CPSC issued a strong warning to parents about all toys with magnets. CPSC is aware of hundreds of complaints that magnets have fallen out of various toys and at least 33 cases where children swallowed loose magnets and required emergency surgery. Of the 33 cases, the children ranged in age from 10 months to 11 years, the majority were older than three, and the majority were boys. All of the injuries led to hospital stays, which ranged from 3 to 19 days. In nearly all cases reviewed by CPSC, children had suffered intestinal perforations.

Parents and physicians may think that magnets will pass through the child, but this is often not the case. The magnets become trapped in the body and can twist or pinch the intestine, causing holes, blockage and infection in the intestine or blood poisoning. All of which can lead to death.

Including this week’s Magnetix recall, within the past year, CPSC has conducted five recalls with more than eight million products containing magnets that could come loose and fall out of the product.

To help prevent serious magnet ingestion injuries, CPSC recommends the following:

Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect your child may have swallowed a magnet

Keep small magnets and small pieces containing magnets away from young children who might mistakenly or intentionally swallow them

Look out for loose magnetic pieces – regularly inspect toys and children’s play areas for missing or dislodged magnets

CPSC has also prepared a safety alert on the hazard posed by small magnets available at www.cpsc.gov.

And finally this week, CPSC announced the recall of about 900,000 Children’s Necklaces and Charm Bracelets imported by Cardinal Distributing Co. The paint on this jewelry contains high levels of lead. No incidents or injuries have been reported.

The recalled necklaces have sports-themed pendants including blue or green basketballs, yellow stars, “01,” and “Perfect 10.” The pendants hang from a black cord. The bracelets include green or pink painted heart-shaped charms and silver-colored charms shaped as suns, moons, stars, padlocks, keys, rattles, and fishbones.

They were sold in vending machines for 25 cents.

Consumers should immediately take the recalled necklaces and charm bracelets away from children and discard the jewelry.

That’s it for the April 20th edition of CPSC’s podcast. Go to our Web site at www.cpsc.gov to get complete information about these and the other six recalls announced by CPSC this week. And while you’re at our Web site, sign up to get recall announcements delivered to your e-mail. It’s free, it’s easy and it could save your life. Just click on the link in the yellow box and fill out the short form. And remember, until next time, stay safe.

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