The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning regarding small magnetic balls found in toys, as they have been linked to several deaths. In an online notice, the commission announced a recall of a set containing these high-powered magnets, and revealed that seven deaths have been associated with their ingestion. Over the past four years, there have been approximately 2,400 visits to hospital emergency rooms due to the ingestion of these magnets, with two deaths occurring outside of the United States.
The commission stressed that consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnetic balls and remove them from the reach of children. The five-millimeter balls, made from rare-earth metals, are stronger than what is permitted by federal toy regulations. If two or more of these magnets are ingested, they can attract each other in the stomach, causing serious harm such as perforating the intestinal walls, twisting and blocking the intestines, leading to infection and blood poisoning.
XpressGoods, a North Carolina company, has voluntarily recalled their Neodymium Magnetic Balls, which were sold from July 2021 through May 2022. It is estimated that around 700 units were sold, and the company is offering full refunds to customers. The commission indicated that five other companies that also sold these magnetic balls have refused to initiate recalls. Consequently, the commission is notifying consumers about the dangers associated with these products.
The manufacturer of the magnetic balls was not disclosed by the commission, and XpressGoods has yet to provide a comment on the matter. The commission’s spokeswoman informed The New York Times that efforts were being made to raise awareness among consumers due to the refusal of other companies to issue recalls.
It is crucial for parents and guardians to take immediate action to ensure the safety of children. By removing these small magnetic balls from toys and play areas, we can prevent potential harm and avoid tragic incidents.
