Magnetix Magnetic Building Set Recall Expanded Serious Injuries Continue to be Reported to Safety regulator
Recall 07164 · Apr 19, 2007 · Magnetix Magnetic Building Set
4,000,000
units affected
4,000,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 07164
- Date
- Apr 19, 2007
- Company
- Magnetix Magnetic Building Set
- Units affected
- 4,000,000
- Product
- Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets
- Product type
- Toy Play Sets/Activity Sets
- Hazard
- Injury
The product
These magnetic building sets 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. 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."
What can happen
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.
The fix
Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- 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.
- Sold at
- Mass merchants and other toy and arts and crafts stores nationwide for between $20 and $60, depending on the size of the set.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled magnetix magnetic building sets?
Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy.
What is the hazard?
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.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.