RECALL of "BuckyBalls" and ADVISORY from Health Canada Pertaining to Magnets

The following recall notice and related advisory are from HSW:  Recalled BuckyBalls magnet sets (spheres, cubes, rods) pose a danger to health especially for young children AND Health Canada is taking action to have small, powerful magnet sets removed from the marketplace

Highlights | Hazard | Exposure | Products | Sources Health Canada reports of a recall involving BuckyBalls magnet sets (spheres, cubes, rods). The risk assessment on these magnet sets has informed Health Canada's determination that they are a danger to human health and safety because they contain small powerful magnets which can be easily swallowed or inhaled by children. See Hazard tab for details. See HSW Products tab for specifics on the affected items (including additional photos). Note: This recall is part of a bigger recall action initiated by Health Canada against ALL small powerful magnets sets. ▲The results of swallowing small powerful magnets can be very serious and life-threatening. Swallowing incidents have often resulted in considerable damage to the gastrointestinal tissues and required emergency surgical treatment. For survivors, there can be serious long-term health consequences. Sold online in Canada since 2009 and through Canadian retailers since 2010. Corrective Action:Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnet sets and contact their municipality for instructions on how to dispose of or recycle the recalled products. Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.

Health Canada is taking action to have small, powerful magnet sets removed from the marketplace

Highlights | Hazard | Products | Sources Event Update: Health Canada is warning Canadians that a number of novelty magnet sets marketed to adults that were sold in Canada are a danger to human health or safety. These sets contain small, powerful magnets that can be easily swallowed or inhaled by children of all ages resulting in serious adverse effects on their health. Health Canada is now taking action to identify and have these dangerous products removed from the marketplace. See HSW Hazard tab for details. ▲Swallowing incidents have often resulted in considerable damage to the gastrointestinal tissues and required emergency surgical treatment.  For survivors, there can be serious lifelong health problems. Health Canada is particularly concerned about novelty magnet sets containing more than one small, powerful magnet, regardless of the intended age of the user, where the set is intended for use as a toy or manipulative for general entertainment, such as puzzle working, sculpture building, mental stimulation or stress relief. These sets generally consist of a number of small (various sizes, but commonly 5 mm in diameter) powerful, rare earth element magnetic pieces in spherical, cube and/or cuboid shapes. Rare earth element magnets are many times more powerful than traditional magnets and pose unique dangers. See Products tab for a list of identified novelty magnet sets. Note: BuckyBalls brand of magnets have been recalled in Canada.Recommended Action:Health Canada is reminding the public to keep any products with small, loose powerful magnets out of the hands of children of all ages. Retailers are also reminded of the dangers these products may pose to their customers. • Consumers should immediately stop using any novelty magnet sets and contact their municipality for instructions on how to dispose of or recycle the products. • Keep novelty magnet sets out of the reach of children. • Do not allow children to play with small toys or other small items that contain powerful magnets. • Check your children’s toys for wear and tear. Throw away any toys with magnets that have come loose. • Teach children of all ages that magnets and items containing magnets should never be placed in their mouth or nose. • Seek immediate medical attention for any child who has swallowed (or is suspected of having swallowed) one or more magnets. You should also report any injuries or safety concerns. • Read and follow the age recommendations, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for products. Report health or safety concerns:Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of a consumer product or cosmetic. An incident report form is now available on the Department's website.