Aqua Dots Pulled From Shelves

November 2007

UPDATE — Aqua Dots, toys containing a toxin used as a substitute for glue, have sickened seven more American children. If swallowed, the chemical covering the toys can metabolize into a compound commonly found in date-rape drugs. Aqua Dots may have also entered America under their Australian product name, Bindeez.

Following the recall of 4.2 million Aqua Dots toy sets, the Chinese government banned exports of the dangerous product. Since that time, China has confirmed the that the products were produced with a dangerous chemical that can lead to loss of breath, loss of consciousness, seizures, coma, and even death.

ORIGINAL RECALL ALERT — Check your children’s holiday wish list twice and make sure to remove Spin Master Aqua Dots. Over four million of the Chinese-made toys have been recalled after discovering the beads contain a chemical that can simulate the date-rape drug gamma hydroxyl butyrate when ingested.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received two reports of children swallowing the Aqua Dots and slipping into comas. Moose Enterprise of Melbourne, Australia, the manufacturer, said the problem had been traced to a Chinese factory that substituted a toxic chemical for a safe glue to cut costs.

Aqua Dots were expected to be a very popular toy this holiday season. The arts-and-crafts toys feature small beads that fuse together when they get wet.

The CPSC is advising consumers to immediately take the toy away from children and contact Spin Master at 1-800-622-8339 for more information.