Nov 17 2007
Recall of toxic Aqua Dots causing children unconscious
After receiving the recall from CPSC, local authorities in this region also started a similar recall. It seems like the case is affecting a very wide geography.
Local newspapers like Sinchew Daily has published the news, however in very small coverage and without a picture of the product. The name of the toxic is called 迷奸水 (date rape drug) in Chinese.
I just want to share with you more detail about this recall, extracted from CPSC.
A picture of the product is provided here:
The recalled toy is a craft kit which allows children to create various multi-dimensional designs using small colored beads. The beads fuse together when sprayed with water. The recall applies to all models of Aqua Dots. The product is available in various different kits with accessories such as a drying fan, applicator pen, design templates for the beads, and spray bottle. The product is labeled for ages 4+.
The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures.
CPSC has received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots. A 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads. He became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a comatose state for a period of time, was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.
More cases were reported in other countries in this region too. So, be very careful with all the toys you buy. If you are in US, you can contact the distributor Spin Master for a replacement, but if you are in other countries like Malaysia – I guess you can only discard them (unfortunately!)
[...] chemicals just to ensure better profits. From last year’s recall of Thomas train toys to ‘date-rape-water’ in award winning toy Aqua Dots, and now it is infants milk. Nothing new. They never learn the proper and ethical way to earn their [...]