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ChokingApril 15, 2013CPSC #13731

Overstock.com Recalls High-Powered Magnet Sets Due to Ingestion Hazards

Product
Magnets
Units affected
539
Remedy
refund

What was recalled

This recall involves high-powered magnets sets with the brand name Buckyballs. The sets contain 216 silver-colored, spherical rare earth magnets, each about five millimeters in diameter.

Hazard

When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can link together inside a child's intestines and clamp onto body tissues, causing intestinal obstructions, perforations, sepsis and death. Internal injury from magnets can pose serious lifelong health effects.

Injuries

Overstock has received no reports of injuries. CPSC has received 54 reports of incidents involving children ingesting high-powered magnets resulting in 53 reports of medical intervention.

Made in

China

Where it was sold

  • Overstock.com and retailers nationwide from November 2010 through July 2012 for about $20.

Photos

Buckyballs high-powered magnet set
View official CPSC recall

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