The CPSC today announced the recall of 175,000 magnetic toys called Buckyballs. This magnetic toy recall was issued because the package rates the product for children 13 and up, but the federal toy standard requires that toys with tiny magnets not be sold to children under 14. Buckyballs are manufactured in China.
Buckyballs are tiny magnetic balls that can be morphed into many different shapes and patterns. I wrote about Buckyballs and said it's an addicting "fidget toy" for adults, but for me the hazard outweighs the fun. Tiny magnets can be deadly if swallowed because they connect in the digestive tract. I threw away my Buckyballs after I wrote about them because I have small children in the house.
It's a technicality for sure, but the recall represents the CPSC's efforts to hold toy manufacturers to the federal safety standards. I've always thought this toy was dangerous for little kids, and certainly the responsibility falls on parents to ensure that they keep it away from any child who might put the magnets in his mouth.
If you have this recall toy in your home, you should take it away from children immediately. Visit the CPSC website to read more information about this recall and to sign up for free email alerts for future toy recalls. Toys.about.com is also keeping a list of recent toy recalls with recall toy pictures.
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Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.