The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a new warning about the dangers of high-powered magnetic balls and cubes. According to an ABC news report, the agency announced a mandatory recall of 10 million products from Zen Magnets LLC – Zen and Neoballs – because they could result in death if ingested. The manufacturers were forced into the recall after initially refusing to comply.
Details of the Recall
CPSC officials said they moved to announce this recall because Zen did not agree to a voluntary recall, which is the norm in most cases. CPSC had to sue the company to bring about a mandatory recall. CPSC warned in a press release that when high-powered magnets are swallowed, they can interact with each other or other metallic objects and become lodged in the digestive system.
Nearly 10 million Recalled magnets were manufactured in China and sold individually for 6 to 10 cents and in magnet sets for between $12 and $264 per set. The magnets were sold online and at certain Colorado retailers starting in January 2009. Zen Magnets and Neoballs are high-powered 5 mm spherical magnets. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled magnets and call Zen Magnets for a full refund.
Serious, Lifelong Injuries
CPSC said Zen Magnets was aware of two children who ingested Zen Magnets and required surgery to remove them along with parts of their intestines and bowels. The company was also aware of other reports of children and teens requiring surgery after ingesting these high-powered magnets. In one case, a 19-month-old girl died after ingesting similar magnets.
This could cause perforations, twisting, and blockage of the intestines, infections, blood poisoning, and death. These types of major injuries often occur when young children and teens ingest the magnets. Teens have been known to use magnets to mimic mouth piercings and swallow them inadvertently. Officials are warning consumers that a number of these magnets are marketed for children on trusted e-commerce sites. They are asking these sites to stop selling the magnets, which could cause catastrophic injuries or even deaths.
Product Liability Issues
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of these or other products, you may be able to seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, cost of surgery, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, and pain and suffering. An experienced product defect lawyer can advise injured victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/consumer-product-safety-commission-issues-recall-magnetic-balls/story?id=79495775
