Recalls of Products that can Injure Children

April 2007

Parents beware – your child’s favorite toy or item of clothing could be a potentially harmful health hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced recalls of children’s products, ranging from charm bracelets to sweatshirts to small magnets that may detach from toys and become deadly.

The CPSC has issued an urgent safety alert informing parents of the dangers of ingesting small magnets from toys, which may lead to serious intestinal injuries. The agency has confirmed 33 cases of injury from magnets being ingested, leading to at least 19 surgeries and one death. The most notable of these deadly toys is Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets. Children’s magnetic jewelry is also a serious hazard.

Other recalls include products worn by children, such as hooded sweatshirts with “LIFE IS GOOD” across the chests that have been recalled because their drawstrings pose a threat of strangulation. Disney recalled Baby Einstein Caterpillar and Duck Sleepwear in the sizes of 12 and 18 months old, as the pajamas may pose a burn hazard. Finally, 900,000 Children’s Charm Bracelets and “Sportswear” Necklaces have been recalled by Cardinal Distributing due to high levels of lead that could cause lead poisoning.