Recall: Recall Expanded on Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets Due to Additional Serious Injuries to Children

As a result of additional serious injuries to children where emergency surgery was needed in 26 cases, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in cooperation with Mega Brands has expanded its recall of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets. More than 4 million units are involved in the recall and includes all sets – except for newer Magnetix sets sold since March 31, 2006 – labeled for age 6+ with the following caution:

“CAUTION: Do not ingest or inhale magnets. Attraction of magnets in the body may cause serious injury and require immediate medical care.”

According to Mega Brands, the set currently for sale (and those sold after March 31, 2006) “better retain magnets due to improved quality control, material and design changes.”

“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,” according to the CPSC. “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, according to the CPSC.

The recalled sets in question 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, according to the CPSC.

“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 at www.megabrands.com

The CPSC is urging consumers to immediately report any incidents of loose magnets to the CPSC Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or to the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov