Magnets Can Kill: Product safety

Huge new recalls of magnetic toys announced

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 22:09:56 GMT

**The Universal Video above has been viewed 31,000 times so far on Youtube**

Important news you need to know now...click each item below for more details

Polly Pocket! Polly Place

Gameroom Garage Playset

Batman Magna Battle Armor Batman Figure

THIS ENORMOUS MATTEL PRODUCT RECALL SHOULD NOT BE A DEBATE ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT TO BUY TOYS "MADE IN CHINA". THE AUGUST 14TH RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT IS ALL ABOUT TOYS DESIGNED WITH DANGEROUS LOOSE MAGNETS BEING MARKETED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.

Recall of 7.3 million MORE Polly Pocket toys in the US that contain magnets, sold by Mattel from 2002 or 2003 to 2006. The company has admitted to receiving 400 reports from consumers of magnets falling out of their toys (in addition to the 170 they earlier reported) (8/14/07)

Recall of 1 million Doggie Daycare playsets that contain magnets, sold by Mattel 2004-2007 (8/14/07)

Recall of .7 million Barbie and Tanner toys that contain magnets, sold by Mattel 2006-2007 (8/14/07)

Recall of .4 million Batman and Shonen's Jump One Piece action figures that contain magnets, sold by Mattel 2006-2007 (8/14/07)

(see pictures of all 63 recalled Mattel products with matching model numbers)
(very instructive brochure from Mattel showing exactly WHERE the magnets in several affected Barbie and Tanner, Batman, One Piece and Polly Pocket toys are located, as well as where on each recalled product you can find the model number)
(combined Mattel recall notice)
(video message and apology from Mattel Inc. Chairman and CEO Bob Eckert)(audio Mattel press conference replay)
"Mattel, in cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is voluntarily recalling a number of Polly Pocket!, Batman Magna, Doggie Daycare, and Shonen Jump's One Piece playsets containing small powerful magnets. The magnets inside these dolls and accessories can fall out -- undetected to parents and caregivers. These magnets can be swallowed or aspirated by young children or placed by a child in their nose or ears. When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal. Aspiration to the lungs requires immediate surgery. Magnets placed in the nose or ears can cause swelling and be difficult to remove. Please check your home, play areas and toys for any loose or liberated magnets. Remove these from the reach of children and discontinue use of magnetic playsets matching these descriptions until you have determined if yours are affected."
"For additional information, contact Mattel toll-free (888) 597-6597 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp."
The website tool is intended to e-mail consumers a brochure so they can identify if their toys are recalled, and e-mail you a prepaid mailing label to return the "Mattel Playsets with Magnet Hazard - Recall Returns Form" and any or all of the affected product you have in your home. Upon receiving your package, Mattel will issue a replacement product voucher in 8-12 weeks that you can use to buy any new Mattel or Fisher-Price toy of similar value from a national retailer. If you don't want to use the internet and your e-mail address for the return process, just call Mattel's toll-free phone number at
888-597-6597

"...Additionally, Mattel is voluntarily recalling certain toys with magnets manufactured between January 2002 and January 31, 2007 that may release small, powerful magnets. The recall expands upon Mattel’s voluntary recall of eight toys in November 2006 and is based on a thorough internal review of all of our brands that have toys with magnets, and analyzed the ways in which magnets come loose. Since January 2007, all magnets used in our toys have been “locked” into the toy with sturdy material holding in the edges around the exposed face of the magnet or completely covering the magnet. We now believe it is prudent to recall our older toys with magnets that do not meet our latest retention system requirements. The safety of children is our main concern, and we are confident that our new requirements work, based on our continued testing and consumer experience. The risk if magnets are swallowed is serious, and we believe all of our toys with magnets should have the safety benefit of our new standards."

Recall of 800 Mag Stix magnetic building sets, manufactured by Kipp Brothers of Carmel, Indiana 2005-2006, following a severe internal injury to an 8-year old girl (7/5/07)

In other news, on August 1 the CPSC released "The Top Five Hidden Home Hazards" warning notice with swallowable/inhalable magnets placed #1 at the top of the list

The testimony of Nancy Nord, Acting Chairman of the CPSC before the United States Senate June 18, 2007, including her important comments on the safety concerns of magnetic toys has been made public

On June 18, 2007 the CPSC held a Magnetic Toy Ingestion Hazards staff forum open to interested consumers and safety professionals, addressing these critical topics

Back in March, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission fined Fisher-Price (a division of Mattel, Inc.) almost $1 million for failing, for several months, to report a different type of safety issue (a choking hazard from a nail coming loose from the Little People Animal Farms Sounds toy). Now that they have found their gumption, will the agency push forward with fines on other toy manufacturers who have delayed or withheld safety information that they were required by law to immediately report to the oversight group?

What's the big deal about those small, powerful, amazing magnets? Well, the unintended consequence is that tiny dangerous magnets have fallen out of many models of the new breed of magnetic toys released in the last 4 years. Rare earth magnets produced inexpensively in China are the most powerful on this planet. Sometimes they pop right out as soon as you pull the toy out of the box, and sometimes they come off due to normal play - kids attaching and detaching the magnetic parts together as intended, or it gets dropped, stepped on, or the child curiously puts it in their mouth.

In some cases the NIB (Neodymium Iron Boron) magnets were swallowed or inhaled by children from toddler to pre-teen age, resulting in many documented intestinal injuries, the tragic death of toddler Kenny Sweet, Jr., several lawsuits and many "confidential legal settlements". Magnets attracted TO EACH OTHER or to a swallowed metal ball ACROSS BODILY TISSUE such as intestines, lungs and nasal passages, twisting and perforating children's internal organs while their parents thought their youngsters merely had "the flu".

Yes, it's true that all the above recalled toys and Magnetix products by MEGA Brands (previously subject to two large consumer recalls) were "MADE IN CHINA". But the reason for these product defects endangering our youth IS NOT only due to possible sloppy production and lack of local regulation in China. Rather, these problems are mainly a result of POOR DESIGN, QUESTIONABLE ENGINEERING, and TURNING A BLIND EYE TO SAFETY RED FLAGS by US and Canadian manufacturers.

You may also ask, why are these recalls spurred by the CPSC coming so late? Mattel says the affected products were produced before January 2007. Wait a minute - Doggie Daycare has been on the market since 2004! Didn't the company that describes itself as "one of the most trusted names with parents" know about magnets falling out due to consumer reports or product testing before NOW? Secondly, some of these dozens of toy models were released by Mattel AFTER the firm agreed in November 2006 to recall eight specific Polly Pocket models due to magnets releasing easily. For example:

TIMELINE November 13, 2006 - Mattel issues a press release announcing the upcoming release of: Pollyworld Rockin' Theme Park Playset, Pollyworld Dress & Drive Lounge, PollyWorld Limo-Scene Vehicle, PollyWorld Dial-A-Song Assortment, and PollyWorld Park Pals Assortment. They appear to have the same magnet housing as the Polly Pocket toys that are voluntarily recalled one week later.
November 21, 2006 - 2.4 million Polly Pocket playsets (limited to 8 specific models) are recalled after 170 complaints and 3 serious injuries
August 14, 2007 - 4 of the 5 magnetic Polly Pocket products announced in November 2006 are recalled: J1681 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Rockin' Theme Park Playset, J1687 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Dress N' Drive Lounge Playset, J1659 Polly Pocket! Pollywood Limo-Scene Vehicle, J9965 Pollyworld Dial a Song Polly Fashions, J9966 Pollyworld Dial a Song Polly Fashions
Simple question: If Mattel knew the toys had the same potential for falling apart as models that they received 170 reports from consumers about, why didn't they just CANCEL the rollout?

Is it true that these huge toy companies knew for years that magnets were easily dislodged from these types of toys? Did they know for years that several children (now, shockingly, over 27) have experienced life-threatening intestinal perforations from detached magnets? It looks like the answer is...YES! Case in point: even after Kenneth Sweet's tragic death in November, 2005, Mega Bloks continued to design new magnetic toys, most of which ended up being recalled in March 2006 and April 2007. Look no further for the motivation to "Keep on Selling" than the greed of North American enterprise.

Mattel (El Segundo, California - NYSE:MAT) and MEGA Brands (of Montreal, Canada who continued coming up with new Magnetix and Magna-xxx toys after acquiring Rose Art Industries of Livingston, NJ) could have simply stopped producing these toys and voluntarily recalled them months if not years ago. Is it a basic human need for youngsters to have a huge choice of magnetic toys with tiny parts to bring into their home? I don't think so. Do you feel confident that the Magnetix building sets and Polly Pocket magnetic toys CURRENTLY available for sale and which the companies say are improved and "safe" do not have similar engineering or production quality problems? Take a stand against magnetic toys for your precious little ones. Don't buy toys with powerful magnets, don't give them as birthday, Christmas or holiday gifts, don't let your kids play with them, don't donate them or sell them at a garage sale! JUST SAY NO. This latest saga tends to show that you can't trust toy conglomerates to put your family's safety above the toys they choose to invent and market.

How can you tell if a toy contains powerful neodymium magnets (typically small cylindrical magnets which can pop out of toys if not secured very well with a lip)? First, go to http://cpsc.gov and review the model names included in the 2006 and 2007 recalls of magnetic toys. Second, you can get a good idea if the name of the product includes "Magnetic" "Mag" "Magna" "Quik Clik" or "Quick Clik". Thirdly, the manufacturer may have voluntarily added a label on the outside of the package which discloses that it contains magnets and that swallowing magnets can lead to death. Finally, ASTM International has finalized new production rules and labeling requirements that were published in May and will be phased in over the next 2 years. That's not enough of a BRIGHT LINE for you? We hear your frustration. In the meantime LET THE BUYER BEWARE. When you are going through your child's toy box or shopping, try to determine if the toy has magnetic properties. If you find anything more powerful than a large flat refrigerator magnet, be very careful.

Does the recall of 9.5 million Mattel magnetic toys (18.2 million globally) have anything to do with lead paint? No, nothing, except that the recalls of Polly Pocket and other magnetic toys due to loose magnets were mysteriously and conveniently announced at the same time as a smaller recall of 200k Mattel die-cast toys (Sarge from the movie Cars). The media outlets have been focused on the trade with China issue since the tainted pet food and toothpaste, as well as toys painted with lead-based paint. The lead in the paint of toys like Thomas the Tank Engine and Fisher-Price's Dora the Explorer imported from China is definitely inexcusable, and children who mouth toys with lead paint and ingest significant amounts are at risk for lead poisoning. But that is a completely separate issue from the recall of magnetic Polly Pocket, Doggie Daycare, Barbie and Tanner, Batman and One Piece action figure toys. Defective magnetic toys marketed to boys and girls pose risks of severe internal injuries and the the media should shine a bright spotlight on this unique risk.

More related resources:

The Polly Pocket space

Magnets Can Kill video blogspot

Product Safety Mom

Kids In Danger non-profit

US P.I.R.G.

The following is a complete list of model names and product numbers for nearly 9 million recalled Mattel Inc. magnetic toys, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check right now: do you have any of these in your toy chests or closets?

(this list includes 8 Polly Pocket models from the November 2006 Mattel recall)

B3158 Polly Pocket! Polly Place Treetop Clubhouse B3201 Polly Pocket! Spa Day

B7118 Polly Totally! Polly Place Totally Tiki Diner G8605 Polly Pocket! Quik-Clik Boutique

H1537 Polly Pocket! Quik-Clik City Pretty Playset H1538 Polly Pocket! Quik-Clik Sporty Style Playset

H3211 Polly Pocket! Totally Zen Playset 55503 Polly Pocket! Happenin' Pet Station

B2631 Polly Pocket! Polly Place Magnetic Additions Assortment B3203 Polly Pocket! Activity Lunchbox

B3204 Polly Pocket! Activity Locker B3207 Polly Pocket! Collectible Lip Gloss

B3209 Polly Pocket! Collectible Make Up Powder Puff B3210 Polly Pocket! Dip N' Dive Pool

B3396 Polly Pocket! Birthday Surprise B7078 Polly Pocket! Dazzlin' Pet Show Divine Dogs

B7082 Polly Pocket! Rick's Magic Show B7125 Polly Pocket! Sweet Treats

B7127 Polly Pocket! Birthday Mailbox B7128 Polly Pocket! Stretch Polly Disco Lamp

B7129 Polly Pocket! Jewelry Box Purple B8478 Polly Pocket! Polly Magnet Bus

B9521 Polly Pocket! Collectible Caboodle B9522 Polly Pocket! Activity Lunch Box Pink

B9523 Polly Pocket! Activity Locker Orange B9525 Polly Pocket! Polly Glitter Puff

B9578 Polly Pocket! Collectible Caboodle Purple B9929 Polly Pocket! Fashion Boutique on the Go

C0504 Polly Pocket! Birthday Mailbox Pink C0505 Polly Pocket! Jewelry Box Yellow

C1341 Polly Pocket! Disco Lamp C1342 Polly Pocket! Disco Lamp Purple

G8602 Polly Pocket! Mermaid Stars G8606 Polly Pocket! Quick Click Playset

G8612 Polly Pocket! Snow Cool Hotel G8614 Polly Pocket! Quick Click House of Style Playset

G8615 Polly Pocket! Polly by Me Totally Beadiful G8616 Polly Pocket! Quick Click Penthouse

H1553 Polly Pocket! Quick Click Movie Time Playset J1659 Polly Pocket! Pollywood Limo-Scene Vehicle

J1661 Polly Pocket! Pollywood Dial A Style Lila J1662 Polly Pocket! Pollywood Dial A Style Lea

J1670 Polly Pocket! Stick N' Style J1681 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Rockin' Theme Park Playset

J1687 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Dress N' Drive Lounge Playset J1695 Pollyworld Theme Park Party Quick Click Doll and Fashion

J4169 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Quick Click Polly Doll J4170 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Quick Click Crissy Doll

J4171 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Quick Click Lea Doll J4172 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Quick Click Shani Doll

J9305 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Costume Art Lea J9306 Polly Pocket! Pollyworld Gift Shop Lila

J9648 Polly Pocket! Twirl and Swirl Beauty Case J9965 Pollyworld Dial a Song Polly Fashions

J9966 Pollyworld Dial a Song Polly Fashions K3460 Pollyworld Rockin' Tour Bus

H1554 Polly Pocket! Quick Click Pool Party Playset

H1532 Doggie Day Care Coco H1533 Doggie Day Care Sparley

G4461 Doggie Day Care Lula and Baby G4462 Doggie Day Care Crockett and Baby

G4464 Doggie Day Care Taffy and Baby G4459 Doggie Day Care Snack Time with Cookie

G4460 Doggie Day Care Diaper Change with Ginger H1530 Doggie Day Care Ice Cream with Ranger

G9703 Doggie Day Care Puppy Park with Dixie G4457 Doggie Day Care Dream House Nursery with Honey

G4458 Doggie Day Care Bath Time with Beau

J9472 Barbie and Tanner play set J9560 Barbie and Tanner play set

J1944 Batman Magna Battle Armor Batman figure

J1946 Batman Magna Fight Wing Batman figure J5114 Batman Secret ID figure

J5115 Batman Flying Fox figure

J4142 One Piece Triple Slash Zolo Roronoa figure

Major retailers pull Magnetix toys

Mon, 07 May 2007 02:59:26 GMT

LETHAL TOYS, CURIOUS TOTS: The Chicago Tribune published a major investigation of the magnetic toy controversy May 6-7 (PART 1) (PART 2)

and several major United States retailers have responded by halting all sales of Magnetix brand toys

"The CPSC announced a limited recall of the toys in March 2006. But last month the agency expanded that recall to include another 4 million boxes after admitting it received 1,500 complaints about magnets coming loose."

You may notice that you cannot currently purchase Magnetix magnetic building sets from the following retailers, which have disclosed that they have voluntarily "quarantined" the brand until they can determine which boxes are safe:

Toys "R" Us and Toys "R" Us online

Amazon.com

eToys

KBToys and KBToys.com

ON THE OTHER HAND, BUYER BEWARE: Think twice about whether the Magnetix you buy from other major retailers are safe, BEFORE you buy. The Chicago Tribune's investigation has shown that the following retailers did NOT completely comply with the April 19th, 2007 recall of Magnetix by MEGA Brands, because the newspaper's investigators were able to buy recalled toys from these retailers:

Toys "R" Us

Amazon.com

eToys

Walgreens

Wal-Mart

All of these distributors appear to be taking some steps to pull all of the Magnetix products until they can resolve the conflict between which boxes the CPSC says are safe to sell and which boxes the manufacturer, MEGA Brands, Inc. has instructed them are safe to sell. Unfortunately, Amazon.com continues to sell other magnetic toys marketed by Mega Brands that have had similar safety issues: MagnaMan magnetic action figures. This children's toy and others with similar magnet strength and retention methods were inexplicably left off the CPSC official recall notice for Mega Brands toys.

Breaking update: The Chicago Tribune reported May 11th that Wal-Mart Stores say they have completely suspended sales of all Magnetix toys, both at retail markets and online. This after Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office began their own simple investigation (send a bunch of staffers out to stores and see if they can come back with recalled toys) and found that many retailers in the state are still selling the old products. The Tribune was also able to buy recalled products at Walmart, Big Lots and Target retail stores. Selling recalled versions of toys is a crime in the state of Illinois and can result in serious consequences.

[Side note: Magtastik pre-schooler toys, also manufactured by Mega Brands, were NOT included in the CPSC expanded recall. These toddler toys feature larger pieces with magnets either completely embedded in hard plastic, completely encased in soft plastic, or somewhat more securely enclosed in ends of the rods, compared to their models for older children.]

Reported Tribune journalist Patricia Callahan May 7th:
Responding to a Tribune investigation, some major retailers over the weekend suspended sales of Magnetix toys linked to one death and 27 intestinal injuries.

The Tribune had bought recalled versions of the popular toys from Toys "R" Us, eToys, Amazon.com, Walgreens and Wal-Mart in recent weeks. It is against Illinois law to sell recalled toys.

Toys "R" Us Inc. said it was halting Internet sales and clearing store shelves of the magnetic building sets. Online retailers Amazon, eToys and KBtoys.com also stopped selling the toys and said they planned to send a warning about intestinal injuries to customers who had bought them. At issue is a confusing recall in which government regulators and the toy's manufacturer gave conflicting instructions on which versions of Magnetix were hazardous. The retailers decided to halt sales until the government and the company can clarify which boxes are safe. "We quarantined all items," said Sheliah Gilliland, a spokeswoman for eToys Direct Inc., which operates eToys.com and KBtoys.com. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, originally recalled 3.8 million boxes of Magnetix in March 2006. After repeated inquiries from the Tribune, the agency expanded that recall in April to cover another 4 million boxes. During both recalls, the CPSC allowed retailers to sell certain Magnetix toys because the manufacturer, Mega Brands, said it had improved them to ensure that embedded magnets would not come loose. When swallowed, the powerful magnets—not much bigger than baby aspirin—can connect in the intestines and tear through a child's bowels.The CPSC told the Tribune that only boxes preprinted with a warning to customers about the danger of intestinal injuries are excluded from the recall. That preprinted caution label, the CPSC said, signifies that the toys inside are the newest, improved versions of Magnetix.

But Mega Brands gave retailers conflicting information.

The boxes the Tribune purchased did not have the caution label, including one at a Niles Wal-Mart late last month. A Wal-Mart spokeswoman said, "We are looking into the facts at the specific store, but we always instruct our stores to remove recalled products."

The Tribune gave Walgreen Co. the address of the Park Ridge store selling the recalled toys. Walgreen said it was investigating.

A spokeswoman on Friday said she called the store manager, who insisted that all Magnetix toys on the shelf carried the caution label about intestinal injuries.

The Tribune returned to the store Saturday. None of the boxes on the shelves carried such a label.

More resources:

The Tribune's index of stories comprising their Special Report on magnet toy dangers: Hidden Hazards - Kids at Risk.

TIMELINE OF THE MAGNETIC DANGER TRAIL OF WARNINGS FROM THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE - WHAT DID U.S. PRODUCT SAFETY OFFICIALS KNOW, AND WHEN DID THEY KNOW IT? FROM 2000 to 2007

AN EXCLUSIVE TRIBUNE GRAPHIC DEMONSTRATING THAT THE MAGNETS IN THESE TOYS ARE THE STRONGEST IN THE MARKETPLACE (NIB MAGNETS) (NEODYMIUM MAGNETS)

CHICAGO TRIBUNE INTERACTIVE ANIMATION SHOWING X-RAYS AND TRAVEL OF MAGNETS THROUGH THE HUMAN BODY

RED FLAGS IGNORED BY THE FEDERAL OFFICIALS ACCORDING TO CHICAGO TRIBUNE EXPOSE- AN EARLIER TOY FROM THE SAME COMPANY BURNED CHILDREN OVER SEVERAL YEARS BEFORE BEING RECALLED ...Microwave Soap-Making Kit: According to Philadelphia attorney Joel Albert, "The most striking item in the packet: a photo of a child's hand disfigured by third-degree burns...After each child was burned, he said, the company had a chance to recall the product and replace the scoops with ones that wouldn't melt. Instead, Rose Art employees forwarded the claims to the company's insurance broker and didn't change anything, according to depositions from Rose Art employees and internal company documents."

SENATOR DICK DURBIN (DEM., IL) LAUNCHES INVESTIGATION INTO CPSC'S HANDLING OF THE MAGNETIX SAFETY INVESTIGATION The Tribune calls the CPSC a weakened federal agency, that with its myopic and docile approach to regulation, fails to protect children. Durbin sent a letter to Acing Chairwoman Nancy Nord stating: "This recall has raised concerns about CPSC's actions in this case and the commission's ability to protect the public from risks associated with the consumer products under its jurisdiction," ...Durbin asked her in the next two weeks to answer more than two dozen detailed questions about the agency's investigation of Magnetix and procedures regulators follow to accommodate manufacturers' concerns during voluntary recalls. "Based on your experience with Magnetix, what steps do you plan to take, or are you considering to better protect consumer safety?" he asked. (Durbin story blogged here.)

CONGRESSMAN BOBBY RUSH (DEM., IL) CALLS FOR CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS INTO THE SLUGGISH RESPONSE OF THE CPSC TO THE MAGNETIX CRISIS, PROMPTED BY THE TRIBUNE REVELATIONS Also, skullduggery uncovered: after the April 19th recall Mega Brands may have affixed impromptu warning "stickers" to its Magnetix packages in an effort to make them exempt from the recall that it had supposedly just voluntarily agreed to. "The CPSC allowed Mega Brands to exclude from the recent recall any boxes that contained a small pre-printed "caution" label about the risk of internal injuries. That packaging, the CPSC said, signified that the toys inside had been improved so that magnets were less likely to come loose. But Mega Brands as late as Friday told retailers it was OK to sell boxes on which a "caution" sticker was added. When the Tribune notified the CPSC, the agency said it never agreed to let anyone place a sticker on a package. Those versions remain potentially hazardous and subject to the recall, the CPSC said. Mega Brands said it stands by the safety of its toys and was not trying to circumvent the recall by adding such stickers. "Nonetheless, in the interest of minimizing any confusion for consumers, we are currently working with retailers to ensure that products on shelves have a pre-printed magnet ingestion warning label," said Jennifer Zerczy, a Mega Brands attorney."

ROSEN BROTHERS WHO SOLD ROSE-ART TO MEGA BRANDS WITHHELD DAMAGING INFORMATION IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE PERSONAL PAYOUTS ON SALE OF THEIR COMPANY

In this June 2005 picture, Marc Bertrand and Lawrence are all smiles.

Subsequently however, after Jeffrey and Larry Rosen sued Mega Brands over a $50 million post-acquisition bonus payment they wanted despite the Magnetix recall, the Bertrand brothers of MEGA Brands severed business ties with the Rosen family. "Mega Brands chief executive Marc Bertrand fired Lawrence Rosen via an e-mail." (Kind of like Britney Spears texting Kevin Federline that she is leaving him.) Pitiful excuse: "The brothers alleged that Mega Brands executives discriminated against them because they are American, not Canadian." Revealed: the attorney for the family of injured 10-year old Timothy Kroell, sent a letter to Rose Art Industries in May, 2005 which the company kept secret from the American public for years.

Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of the non-profit Chicago-based organization Kids In Danger, is recognized by the Tribune for her efforts to promote children's safety throughout the Magnetix controversy as part of the working group on magnetic toys, a task force formed by ASTM International to look into the problem.

Read the groundbreaking report issued by Kids In Danger in March 2007: Unexpected Danger: Children's Product Recalls in 2006

Pictures showing defective Magnetix pieces and loose magnets:

Tribune photo #1 Tribune photo #2 Tribune photo #3

Watch the exclusive Chicago Tribune video explaining the injuries that have resulted from the popular toy, Magnetix, featuring reporter Patricia Callahan and Sharon Grigsby, the daycare director who pleaded with the CPSC in early 2005 to ban Magnetix after one of her young charges needed surgery to save his life.

Magnetix recall - ROUND TWO

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 19:37:42 GMT

The US CPSC today released three comprehensive and important safety notices regarding magnetic toy safety. Click on each link for immediate details:

1. A second HUGE recall of 4 million additional Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets manufactured by Mega Brands, Inc. of Canada. Unlike the Magnetix recall - ROUND ONE, this notice is not limited to families with children under age 6.

The CPSC recall notice issued in Spanish: (Español) El Retiro del Mercado del Conjunto de Construcción “Magnetix” Es Expandido. Lesiones Serias Continúan Siendo Reportadas a la CPSC

Basically the CPSC has determined that after the first recall of Magnetix building sets on March 31, 2006, Mega Brands went on producing potentially defective toys for an unknown period of time. The notice does not tell us exactly WHEN Mega Brands added more glue, improved their production quality in China and changed the designs to make it less likely for the magnets to detach. What the CPSC is saying is-

CHECK YOUR BOX OF MAGNETIX TOYS

If the package does NOT say age 6+

AND if the box does NOT have a small warning label on the TOP PANEL that warns about the dangers of eating magnets:

THIS IS THE "OLD PRODUCT" AND YOU SHOULD NOT LET YOUR KIDS PLAY WITH THIS TOY

TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOUR CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY

CONTACT MEGA BRANDS FOR A REPLACEMENT PRODUCT

While the recall notice is quite descriptive, unfortunately, the recall fails to mention include any other magnetic toys manufactured by Rose Art Industries, Inc. and the company that acquired it (Mega Brands) that do not contain the term "Magnetix building set" but contain the same tiny popcorn-kernel size neodymium (NIB) magnets. This notice does NOT include Magnetix Jr., Magtastik, Magnaman, Mag Warrior, Magnabug, Magnasaurs, Magnawheels, Magnalogs, etc.

One Mega Bloks product has been shown to have the same product defect that resulted in 29 serious internal injuries, namely one or more magnets becoming dislodged and falling out where kids could swallow them: Magna-Man. The CPSC has received one or more consumer complaints regarding Magnaman and has prepared In-Depth Investigation Reports (IDI's) documenting the dangerous magnet release from these futuristic or medieval "warriors". Despite the ommission from the recall notice, it is possible that Mega Brands will honor your recall requests for Magnaman magnetic action figures that meet all the other danger criteria listed in the official CPSC notice. If you have any Magna Man sets we recommend that you check them and stop using them immediately if they meet the criteria listed in the advisory. Why take a chance with your child's safety?

What if you don't know when you bought your Magnetix toy and no longer have the box? According to an interview published April 19, 2007 by the Associated Press:

Mega Brands spokesman Alex Radmanovich said the company is not going to quibble with consumers over whether they bought the product within the recall period.
“If you've got this product in the home and you feel uncomfortable, please call us,” he said.
(That's Mega Brands at (800) 779-7122.

Click HERE to send the link for the latest Magnetix recall to yourself or a friend!

2. A strongly-worded safety warning regarding the risks of inhaling or swallowing small magnets from toys.

The recall notice in Spanish: Español Imanes Pequeños Están Lesionando a Los Niños: La CPSC Publica Advertencia Más Fuerte para los Padres

This report discloses information that the CPSC has not yet released to the public-

-one child put magnetic jewelry on their tongue, swallowed it and ended up with an intestinal perforation

-one child wore magnetic jewelry on their nose and it caused a nasal wall perforation (owwww!)

So US PIRG was correct when they tried valiantly to warn the American public last December that magnetic jewelry can be very dangerous. Turns out the magnets attract to each other immediately and unless they are nailed down tight, with the child or teen's next breath - it's up the nasal cavity, or down the throat!

-two children swallowed complete magnetic toy components, resulting in perforated intestines.

This could quite possibly refer to children who swallowed entire small links of "Magnetix Micro", a product that this blog has referred to as a toy so inherently dangerous and unecessary, why should anyone buy it? Not only does Magnetix Micro have tiny magnets, but even if the tiny magnets don't fall out, they are lodged in the ends of tiny tubes that are oh-so-swallowable and enticing to our youngsters. As a side note: medical case studies in Europe and the US has shown that pre-school age children and older children who are autistic or developmentally delayed have swallowed entire building set links. Quick quiz! Question: What's more dangerous than a cute little set of Mega Brands Magnetix Micro, so small that a child could stuff a bunch of the brightly colored parts into their mouth at one time??? Answer: Magnetix Micro 200-piece case!!! If you like 'em, why not have 200 pieces that can get lost in your home? Added bonus: the steel balls are smaller than the normal size too. Read the chilling reports of parents whose children have swallowed Magnetix metal balls.

Ooh, wait! I just thought of something even more dangerous! It's called MAGNABEADS, a make-it-yourself jewelry set sold by Mega Brands that, believe it or not, comes with dozens of loose, tiny NIB magnets. Don't let your toddler near your daughter's set!

3. A new official government safety alert that you can send to your doctor, or post in your local community center or medical office. Print the flyer and post it now! Help get the word out to prevent more injuries or deaths from ingested magnets.

Here are the verbatim details from these three major CPSC announcements:

1. Magnetix Magnetic Building Set Recall Expanded Serious Injuries Continue to be Reported to CPSC

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Additional serious injuries to children reported following the March 31, 2006 recall announcement of Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets have prompted the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Mega Brands America, Inc. (“Mega Brands”) (the new owner of Rose Art Industries, Inc.) to announce an expanded recall. In excess of 4 million units are involved. 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.”

Mega Brands advises that sets currently at retail better retain magnets due to improved quality control, material and design changes. These products are not included in the recall.

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.

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.

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.

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

2. Small Magnets Are Injuring Children; CPSC Releases Stronger Warning to Parents

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the number of toys with magnets increases, so is the number of serious injuries to children. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (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. In addition, a 20-month-old boy from Seattle, Wash. died.

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 three to 19 days. In nearly all cases reviewed by CPSC, children had suffered intestinal perforations.

In addition to the intestinal injuries from swallowing loose magnets, the CPSC is aware of one case of intestinal perforation after a child swallowed magnetic jewelry that was being worn on the child’s tongue, two cases of intestinal perforations after children swallowed complete components of building sets containing magnets, one aspiration of a loose magnet, and one perforation of the nasal wall from nose jewelry.

Within the past year, the CPSC has conducted five recalls with more than eight million products containing magnets that could come loose and fall out of the product. In the fall of 2006, the CPSC alerted parents to the emerging hazard of magnets. Even so, children continue to be treated in emergency rooms across the country for complications due to ingesting magnets or toy components with magnets.

If two or more magnets, two or more magnet components, or a magnet and another metal object are swallowed separately, they can attract to one another through intestinal walls. When this happens, parents and physicians may think that the materials will pass through the child. But with magnets 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.

The CPSC is working with manufacturers, the toy industry and other stakeholders to protect children from the dangers of magnets. New voluntary standards requirements were approved on March 15th. In addition, the voluntary standards group will continue to consider additional requirements during the next year.

In the meantime, the CPSC is working to help those in the medical community better understand the hazard and how to properly diagnose it.

To help prevent serious magnet ingestion injuries the CPSC recommends:

Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect your child may have swallowed a magnet
Look for non-specific abdominal symptoms: abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Note that objects in x-rays may appear as a single object that could actually be multiple magnetic pieces separated by trapped intestinal walls
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.

3. CPSC Safety Alert - Ingested Magnets Can Cause Serious Intestinal Injuries

Small, magnets, like those found in magnetic building sets and other toys, can kill children if two or more are swallowed. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is aware of at least 33 cases of children being injured from ingesting magnets. A 20 month-old died, and at least 19 other children from 10 months to 11 years old required surgery to remove ingested magnets. In many cases, magnets had fallen out of larger components of toys. Some children swallowed intact toy components containing magnets.

If two or more magnets or magnetic components or a magnet and another metal object (such as a small metal ball) are swallowed separately, they can attract to one another through intestinal walls. This traps the magnets in place and can cause holes (perforations), twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning (sepsis), and death. When multiple magnets are ingested surgery is required to remove the magnets and sometimes sections of the intestines need to be removed. CPSC cautions the public that small magnets found in other non-toy products may present the same hazard. To help prevent serious magnet ingestion injuries:

• Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect your child may have swallowed a magnet.

• Look for non-specific abdominal symptoms - abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, etc.

• Note that objects in x-rays may appear as a single object that could actually be multiple magnetic pieces separated by trapped intestinal walls.

• 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.

• Check www.cpsc.gov to make sure your children’s magnetic toys are not recalled products.

Breaking safety news and misinformation about magnetic toys

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:50:24 GMT

Regretfully, this was a Big Week for news about the dangers of magnetic toys.

Boy Swallows Magnets From Popular Toy, Undergoes Surgery, reports ABC News in Denver, February 13, 2007

A 3-year-old boy from the Fort Collins, Larimer County area recently underwent surgery after he swallowed magnets that came from his own toys. Tegan Leisy is recovering at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins and is expected to go home next week, his family said. The boy's parents said that the five small magnets he swallowed popped off of a toy building kit called Magnetix. Tegan's father is upset to learn that the same toys were part of a voluntary recall last March, but he didn't know about the recall.

Watch the TV video.

Consumer Product Safety Commission will investigate a toy a toddler swallowed, reports CBS station in Denver, Colorado

A spokesman for the CPSC told CBS4 a local investigator contacted the Leisy's Tuesday. The CPSC wants to know what toy was purchased, when and where. They're aware of 34 incidents involving these toys including one death. They want to insure what happened to Tegan won't happen again. Meanwhile, the three year old is recovering from surgery at Poudre Valley Hospital after doctors removed five magnets and cut out six inches of his small intestine. The powerful magnets blocked Tegan's bowel and punched 11 holes in his intestine. It's believed the magnets came from the family's Magnetix toy. Tegan's parents believe one of the pieces of plastic broke open and the three year old swallowed the tiny parts.

Watch the TV video.

2. February 15, 2007:

Jazwares Inc. Recalls Link-N-Lite™ Magnetic Puzzles, Ingested Magnets Pose Aspiration and Intestinal Hazards

Small magnets used to connect the puzzle pieces can fall out. Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal. The firm (Jazwares, Inc. of Sunrise, Fla.) has received reports of nine incidents where magnets became loose from these puzzles. No injuries have been reported.

3. It's not just Magnetix and Polly Pocket - another toy brand was recalled January 18, 2007 due to powerful magnets that could be released and would be a hazard if swallowed or aspirated: MagneBlocks Magnetic Construction Toys, manufactured in China and sold by Geometix International LLC which is based in Northern Fairfield County, CT.

Read the CPSC official recall notice for Magne Blocks now!

Here is the audio transcript of the advisory.

Go to magneblocks.com to see pictures of the toy models and read the company's Press Release dated November 22, 2006:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GEOMETIX INTERNATIONAL LLC, ANNOUNCES PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING FOR MAGNEBLOCKS™
BROOKFIELD, CT--(NOVEMBER 22, 2006) Geometix International, LLC, wants to remind consumers that the MagneBlocks™ line of magnetic construction toys does contain small magnets that, in the event of coming out, may be harmful or fatal if swallowed. While this type of product failure has never been reported in MagneBlocks™, it is a theoretical possibility. In order to be proactive in preventing any potential health risks, Geometix International has updated warning labels and is constantly evaluating its product with respect to this potential risk. The risk is primarily with toddlers, who should not be playing with these toys to begin with. Children three years and under have a tendency to put everything in their mouth, and should a magnet come out and get swallowed, it could be fatal. In the event that magnets (or any small part or pieces) are swallowed, seek immediate medical care, even if no choking has occurred. Also, make sure any and all children in your household are instructed as to the proper use of MagneBlocks™, and be vigilant when young children are present.

If you determine that a magnet has come out, discontinue use immediately. You may send it to Geometix International for a replacement part. For an example of the new warning label, please click here.
# # #

In 2006, Geometix voluntarily redesigned the product labels for Magneblocks toys to include this safety warning label regarding magnets:

!WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD. HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED. Toy Contains Small Parts. Not for Children Under 6 years. CAUTION!: Plastic blocks contain small magnets which could fall out in rare cases. In the event of swallowing, seek immediate medical attention, even if no choking has occurred.

Outdoor Toys Direct in the UK sells MagneBlocks magnetic construction sets. Magneblocks won an Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio Gold Award in 2005. Geometix International LLC is represented by Bethany,Connecticut-based Mason Onofrio Public Relations. A 2004 press release describes their products.

4. On the January 30th episode of Fox TV's House sitcom, an 8-year old boy came to the hospital after having swallowed a powerful magnet. One doctor jokes that they should just let him die. The dialog went like this, according to a House fan on www.TV.com who reviewed Episode 58 from Season 3:

Doctor: He swallowed a magnet. We gotta cut it out.
House: (to the kid) How old are you?
Kid: Eight.
House: And he swallowed something stuck to a fridge. Darwin says let him die.

Another concerned viewer e-mailed us the following synopsis:

A young boy is in pain and comes to the free clinic at the hospital. One doc says he needs surgery because he swallowed a magnet. Then the main character [Dr. Gregory House played by Hugh Laurie] says "it will pass, he can go home". When the other doc mentions it is a powerful magnet, Dr. House finds it with his medical instrument (a scalpel) by waving it over the boy's abdomen until it adheres. Then he says, "It is already way in his lower intestine, it will pass - send him home!". And that is the end of the issue.

Not! Folks, he may play a doctor on TV, but he is not a real MD. This is NOT the correct treatment according to current medical best practice as written, for example, by Dr. Alan Oestreich of Cincinnati Children's Hospital or Dr. Marsha Kay of the Cleveland Clinic. The child needs an immediate X-Ray to determine if there is more than one magnet, and if so whether the magnets are attracting to each other across bodily tissues. If the magnet came from a magnetic building set, the X-Ray is also needed to determine if he might have also swallowed a metal ball. Even if there is only one NIB magnet or a clump of them together, the child should be carefully monitored and if the magnet(s) are not excreted naturally, they may need to be surgically removed before they cause corrosion, tearing, perforation, fistula, infection and necrosis of the digestive tract. Had this been a REAL medical emergency, over the next week at home the boy could have slowly developed a life-threatening infection that would require immediate surgery to save his life.

Numerous House watchers shared concerns about the erroneous and potentially dangerous medical assumptions made in this late-January episode. House - Episode 12 (Season Three): “One Day, One Room”

Scott remarks:

The magnet is possible but unlikely. It would have to be a strong magnet (neodynium or some such); a reular refrigerator magnet wouldn’t be strong enough to reach through at least two layers (skin and intestine). THe real danger comes when two or more of the powerful magnets are swallowed. They can thin stick together through different parts of the intestine causing a real mess and a surgical emergency. How sure are you that the kid only swallowed one magnet? Remember “people lie”. I’d still get the x-ray.

Nick adds:

House’s statement regarding magnets was wrong and potentially dangerous.
As the MMWR recently published, http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5548a3.htm

Kelli says:

I was shocked that the writers treated so blithely the case in this episode where the kid had swallowed a magnet, since numerous kids have been injured, and even three died as a result of magnets perforating their bowels, twisting their intestines and causing necritis, and more (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12085898/). In most cases the magnets had passed into the intestines by the time the kids showed any signs of trouble. House conjectures that since the magnets have traveled out of the kid’s stomache and into the intestines, there is no cause to worry. Not true-to-life at all (but funny in the episode!).

I’m not usually a viewer to rip on the medicine in the episodes–I suspend my disbelief pretty liberally when it comes to that aspect of House–but for some reason the magnet stuff bothered me. Maybe ’cause my nephew swallowed a magnet last year and it caused us a tremendous scare!

Does this misinformation that was presented concern you? If so please let a Fox Executive know by sending a letter to:

David Shore

Executive Producer

House

P.O. Box 900

Fox Broadcasting

Publicity Department

Beverly Hills, CA 90213-0900

Here is some more House trivia from the Pilot episode in 2004, this time a possible error noted by a fan about MRIs and magnets - they don't go together!

"It is strange that the doctors would have tracheotomy tools near the MRI scan room because of the incredibly strong magnet that is used to take the pictures. They would have to be special - no ferrous metal in them."

In possibly the same House show, a victim with a bullet in their head was put into an MRI with disastrous results. This vigilant viewer points out that bullets are made out of lead, not metal.

By contrast, magnetic building sets and NIB magnets DO contain metal and interact negatively with MRIs. To avoid injury, never have a Magnetic Resonance Image taken of someone who is suspected of swallowing a magnet, magnetic toy components, or metal sphere. According to Dr. Oestreich:

"Moreover, if the possibilityof magnets in the abdomen exists, magnetic resonance imagingis to be stringently avoided, lest damage be done.^"

Here, more viewers blog about the implausability of metal being used in or near an MRI machine.

(House has also starred Omar Epps as Dr. Eric Foreman, Robert Sean Leonard as Dr. James Wilson, Jesse Spencer as Dr. Robert Chase, Lisa Edelstein as Dr. Lisa Cuddy, Jennifer Morrison as Dr. Allison Cameron, Sela Ward as Stacy Warner, Stephanie Venditto as Nurse Brenda and David Morse as Michael Tritter.)

5. More TV trivia brought to you by MagnetsCancanKill! On the popular show Mythbusters, Adam and Jamie had fun playing with large NIB magnets, tried to pull a paperclip through a human hand using magnets, and played with a magnetic building toy. Let us know if you were able to identify the building set brand! Mythbusters also investigated the effect of MRIs on prisoners' magnetic tattoos.

6. An important new study which chronicles the history of intestinal injuries from ingested magnets has been recently released.

Click here for a great summary from the AP newswire on MSNBC news:

"At least one U.S. child has died and 19 others have needed surgery since 2003 after swallowing magnets used in toys, the government reported," according to scientist Jonathan Midgett.

The article, published December 8, 2006 was written by J Midgett, PhD, Div of Human Factors; S Inkster, PhD, Div of Health Sciences; R Rauchschwalbe, MS, M Gillice, Office of Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission. J Gilchrist, MD, Div of Unintentional Injury Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, CDC. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) is published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based in Atlanta, Georgia. This groundbreaking report presents 3 case studies (one death and two surgeries) as well as compiles statistics on 20 cases reported to the CPSC in the United States. Note that the article address ingestion of magnets but does not address the reported incidents of magnet inhalation or aspiration. Here are some highlights:

Gastrointestinal Injuries from Magnet Ingestion in Children --- United States, 2003--2006

Since 2003, CPSC staff members have identified one death resulting from ingestion of these magnets and 19 other cases of injuries requiring gastrointestinal surgery. This report describes three selected cases and summarizes the 20 cases of magnet ingestion identified by CPSC that occurred during 2003--2006. Caregivers should keep small magnets away from young children and be aware of the unique risks (e.g., volvulus and bowel perforation) (Figure 1) that magnets pose if ingested. When evaluating children who have ingested objects, health-care providers should be aware of potential complications if magnets might be involved.

Case 1

On September 7, 2005, a boy aged 2 years, 6 months, who had been in excellent health, doubled over in pain, began vomiting, and then had diarrhea...His mother recognized the object as three magnetic, rod-shaped pieces from his older sibling's building set, which were attached end to end...During laparoscopy the next day, one piece, which had perforated the cecum, fell into the peritoneal cavity...That piece was recovered by open abdominal surgery; the remaining pieces were located in the stomach and removed endoscopically.....When shown the pieces, the boy called them "candy." He was discharged from the hospital after 1 week.

Summary

Building sets and toys with powerful rare-earth magnets have been marketed for use by children as young as 3 years. Among the 20 identified cases of magnet ingestion injury, the patients ranged in age from 10 months to 11 years, 6 months (mean: 5 years, 6 months; median: 4 years, 9 months--5 years); 16 (80%) of the patients were aged >3 years (Figure 2). Boys accounted for 16 (80%) of the patients. One fatality caused by volvulus, bowel necrosis, and sepsis was identified. Diagnoses in 15 (75%) of the cases included bowel perforations; bowel obstruction and peritonitis each were cited in four cases, and volvulus was cited in three cases (Table). Of the 14 cases for which such data were available, hospital stays ranged from 3 to 19 days (mean: 8.7 days); at least five patients required intensive care.
Among the 20 patients, two children each swallowed 15 magnets; the other 18 children swallowed from one (plus a nonmagnetic metal piece) to nine magnets. In 12 cases, magnets had been dislodged from toy pieces; in three cases, entire magnetic pieces were swallowed intact. Ten children swallowed magnets from their own toys, three swallowed magnets from an older sibling's toy, and three swallowed magnets from toys at day care facilities or school. At least five of the children swallowed magnets or magnetic pieces intentionally, including two who thought they were candy and one who swallowed three magnets on a dare. Five children had potentially relevant conditions, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and neurologic disorder (Table).
Editorial Note:

Recent improvements in manufacturing processes have made small, powerful magnets inexpensive and readily available, increasing the potential for exposure of children to magnets in toys and other products. Ingestion of multiple magnets, or ingestion of one magnet and a metal component attracted to magnets, poses a unique health hazard (6,7). Although these magnets generally are small enough to pass through the digestive tract, they can attach to each other across intestinal walls, causing obstructions and perforations. Initial signs and symptoms of injury are nonspecific, leading to delayed diagnosis and greater injury. Even when caregivers know a child has swallowed magnets, they might assume that such small pieces will pass normally. On radiologic examination, a health-care provider cannot ascertain whether objects swallowed are magnetic and whether they are in separate sections of the gastrointestinal tract with tissue between them. To aid with diagnosis, a compass might be passed close to the abdomen to determine whether an unidentified object in the bowel is magnetic.^§ Once magnetically attached across bowel walls, magnets are unlikely to disengage spontaneously.
Building sets and other toys containing magnets pose a substantial hazard to children who commonly mouth objects. Manufacturers of any consumer product containing magnets should take precautions to keep the magnets in their intended positions within plastic pieces and should consider making larger plastic pieces to minimize the likelihood of ingestion. Similar injuries have resulted from ingestion of magnetic beads, jewelry, and homeopathic aids (8,9).
Caregivers should keep products with magnets out of environments where children aged <6 years are playing and be aware of the unique risks if ingested. Magnets should never be used to emulate tongue or lip piercing. If caregivers suspect a child has ingested a magnet, they should seek health care promptly. Caregivers also should be aware that children might be reticent to admit ingestion or unable to describe what they have ingested. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to serious or fatal outcomes. Additional information regarding toy hazard recalls is available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html. Information on product recalls from CPSC and five other federal agencies is available at http://www.recalls.gov.
^{† Originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials.}
^{* Commonly neodymium iron boron or samarium cobalt magnets.}
§ The patient must be in an area clear of magnetic fields (e.g., computer monitors or electronic equipment).

In this recap of the MMWR article provided to its listserv members, the NCIPC explains how a child who ingested multiple magnets from a magnetic toy might be first diagnosed as having a simple gastrointestinal illness:

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC or CDC Injury Center) Update: Winter 2006-2007

The purpose of this Listserv Update is to keep NCIPC’s partners and colleagues informed about the Center’s programs, research, and initiatives. The current Listserv Update highlights:
Preventing Gastrointestinal Injuries from Magnet Ingestion

NCIPC’s Division of Unintentional Injury Prevention is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to prevent injuries and deaths in children that result from swallowing parts of magnetic toys. A December 8, 2006 MMWR highlighted the danger posed by magnetic toys by detailing three case studies and summarizing 20 cases of magnet ingestion. Manufacturers such as Rose Art Industries, Inc. and Mattel, Inc., have announced voluntary recalls of toys that include small magnets and magnetic pieces.

Although ingestion of nonfood items is common in children, magnets pose a unique and serious health problem when multiple magnets, or a magnet and metal component, are swallowed. Initial symptoms can mimic common gastrointestinal illnesses, and when small objects are detected in radiologic examinations, physicians may advise that the piece will pass normally – both leading to delayed diagnosis and greater injury. However, these objects can attach to each other across intestinal walls, and are unlikely to separate spontaneously, causing bowel obstructions, perforations, volvulous (i.e. twisting of the bowel), and sepsis (i.e. bloodstream infection). Since 2003, CPSC identified 1 fatality and at least 19 cases requiring surgery.

The MMWR, which was the subject of a CDC podcast and an article in AAP News (the newsmagazine of the American Academy of Pediatrics), recommends that caregivers should keep products with magnets out of environments where children younger than 6 years old are playing and be aware of the unique risks if magnets are ingested. It also advised health-care providers to be aware of the potential complications caused by ingestion of magnets.

CDC and CPSC are now working with the toy safety standard subcommittee at ASTM International, one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world, to address the unique health hazards posed by magnetic toys. NCIPC’s efforts support CDC’s Health Protection Goal “Healthy People in Every Stage of Life,” by targeting the infant/toddler (0-3) and children (4-11) life stages.

„ Read the MMWR Article Online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5548a3.htm