Magnetix Magnetic Building Set · Recalled
Magnetix Magnetic Building Set Recall Expanded Serious Injuries Continue to be Reported to CPSC
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.
- Units
- In excess of 4 million
- Reports
- 1,500
- Injuries
- 27
- Deaths
- 1
- Price
- $20–$60
- Remedy
- See notice
Reports, injuries, deaths and price are read out of the notice’s wording by rules, so they can miss unusual phrasing. The official notice is the record.
Affected
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."
The file
- 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.
- Product type
- Toy Play Sets/Activity Sets
- Made in
- China
- Recalled by
- Mega Brands America, Inc.
Incident log
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.
What the notice says to do
Consumers should stop using the recalled magnetic sets immediately and contact Mega Brands for a comparable replacement toy.
Consumers 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
Recall notice published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. This site is independent: always confirm on the official notice before acting.
Notice first dated APR 19 2007; last revised JUN 12 2014.
