Dangerous Toys Recalled

Toy maker Mattel, Inc. issued recalls yesterday for about 9 million Chinese made toys that could be potentially dangerous for children. The recalls were negotiated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. The majority of the toys subject to the recall contain magnets that can be swallowed by children and the rest have lead paint. The recall includes play sets, including the Polly Pocket dolls and Batman action figures as well as almost a quarter of a million die cast cars that contains lead paint.
This massive recall followed other recent recalls of toys produced in China. Currently, it is estimated that more than 80% of the toys sold worldwide are made in China. The recall involving lead paint was Mattel’s second in two weeks. Earlier this month, consumers were warned about 1.5 million Chinese made toys that contain lead paint.
A parent should be cautious of any products containing magnets which children can potentially swallow. If more than one magnet is swallowed, they can attach to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage which can be fatal. Mattel reported that since the initial recall of Polly Pocket play sets on November 11th of this year, three children had been injured by swallowing more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations which required surgery.
Last March, another toy company, Megabrands, Inc. recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets after one child died and four others were seriously injured after swallowing tiny magnets in them.