Legal news for product liability attorneys – MEGA Brands Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School Magnetic Toys featured on CPSC Most Wanted list
MEGA brands recall raises awareness of dangers of magnets
Washington, DC (www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – The US Consumer Product Safety Comission, (CPSC) http://cpsc.gov, features a rolling Most Wanted segment on the homepage of the organization’s website, highlighting recalled products that pose safety risks to consumers. These products may have been recalled years ago, but remain on the list in attempts to ensure the public is aware of the dangers associated with such items.
As was reported on Monday, March 22, 2010 on www.NewYorkInjuryNews.com, MEGA Brands magnetic toys issued a recall for Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. Pre-School Magnetic toys on account of the health dangers the magnets caused children. The recall was issued on March 17, 2008, not on March 17, 2010, as was initially reported. This recall informs the consumer that the magnets in the small flexible parts of the toys can detach and become swallowed or aspirated by young children. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforations or blockages, which can be fatal.
The company issued the recall voluntarily in cooperation with the CPSC. It was recommended to stop any use of the toy immediately, and there were reports of malfunction and injury.
The popular television show Supernanny, which airs on the network ABC, has an online community for parents featuring forums, advice and trends. In an article titled Toys with magnets can be risky, the dangers of magnetic toys are explained. The article cites research from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and informs readers of the symptoms and dangers of swallowing magnets. The study “urges parents to be particularly careful as they decide which toys their children should have…” Dr. Alan Oestreich, author of the study, tells readers “the majority of swallowed magnetic objects were components of toy sets, including many well-known brands.”
Findings from the research indicate that most children who swallow multiple magnets do not receive medical treatment quickly enough due to the mild symptoms children initially display, which consist of nausea, vomiting, cramps or abdominal pain. If a child who has swallowed magnets is not treated quickly, magnets will often times stick to each other through bowel walls and cause significant problems. Infections may ensue and lead to surgery or endoscopy to remove the magnets and repair the damage.
In light of these findings, the study further states that public education is the best line of defense in preventing accidents. The Supernanny article further quotes the study’s stand on toy manufacturers, stating, “Manufacturers should make warnings about the dangers and symptoms of magnet ingestion more frequently and more obviously.”
Luckily, consumers have the CPSC watchdog to bring to light the dangers of products on the market and in homes. The Most Wanted section features products that may still be in homes even though the recall was years ago in attempts to reach those that were unaware of the initial product withdraws.
Legal News Reporter: Tara Monks – Legal news for product liability attorneys.