DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of the Spin Master Aqua-Dots beads/craft kit because of a serious danger for children who may swallow the beads. 

According to a report published in the Washington Post, children who swallow the beads are exposed to a dangerous chemical similar to the powerful "date rape" drug that causes possible  unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death. 

The entire CPSC bulletin follows:

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 7, 2007 Release #08-074

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 622-8339 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Spin Master Recalls Aqua Dots – Children Became Unconscious After Swallowing Beads

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Aqua Dots

Units: About 4.2 million

Distributor: Spin Master, of Toronto, Canada

Hazard: 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.

Incidents/Injuries: 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.

Description: 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+.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers nationwide from April 2007 through November 2007 for between $17 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toy away from children and contact Spin Master to return for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Spin Master at (800) 622-8339 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.aquadotsrecall.com