Child's Death Prompts Replacement Program of Magnetic Building Sets
What was recalled
All Magnetix magnetic building sets, including the X-treme Combo, Micro, and Extreme sets. The sets contain 20 to 200 plastic building pieces and 20 to 100 1/2-inch diameter steel balls. The building pieces are red, yellow, blue and green, and are shaped in 1 1/2-inch squares, 1-inch triangles and cylinder rods. Some plastic building pieces have "Magnetix" imprinted on them.
Hazard
Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal. This product is unsuitable for young children.
Injuries
CPSC is aware of 34 incidents involving small magnets, including one death and four serious injuries. A 20-month-old boy died after he swallowed magnets that twisted his small intestine and created a blockage. Three children ages ranging from 3 to 8 had intestinal perforations that required surgery and hospitalization in intensive care. A 5-year-old child aspirated two magnets that were surgically removed from his lung.
Made in
China
Where it was sold
- Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us, Fred Meyer, Design Science Toys Ltd., A.C. Moore, and other toy and arts and crafts stores nationwide. The Magnetix magnetic building sets were sold from September 2003 through March 2006 for between $20 and $60, depending on the size of the set. The replacement program does not include sets at retail.
Photos
Shopping for a replacement? Safer certified picks
If your item was recalled, these brands hold independent safety certifications and have no recall on record.
Avocado Green Mattress
Certified organic latex, wool, and cotton — no fiberglass.
Check pricePlushBeds
Natural latex, multiple whole-product certifications.
Check priceCertifications shown are editorial references — verify current status with the brand. Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclosure.
Other choking recalls
Target Recalls Gigglescape™ Under the Sea Popping Toy Due to Choking Hazard
Target
Shield Line Recalls MedPride Baby Oil Bottles Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Child Poisoning; Violate Mandatory Standard for Child-Resistant Packaging
Shield Line
Montessori Busy Board Toys Recalled Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Magnet Ingestion; Violate Mandatory Standard for Toys; Sold on Amazon by Small Fish
Unknown
GOPO Toys Recalls Pull String Teething Toys Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Choking; Violate Mandatory Standard for Toys
GOPO Toys