Fatal attraction warning for toys with magnets
Issue Date: - Monday, 22 December 2008
Magnets in toys could be deadly
Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll supports moves to introduce a product safety standard for toys containing magnets, after a recent investigation in NSW found these magnets to be potentially fatal for children.
The investigation found small, powerful magnets in toys could be dangerous because they often became loose and dislodged.
If more than one magnet was swallowed, they can attach as a clump and cause serious internal injuries or death. In an incident in NSW, a nine-year-old boy swallowed magnets from his building set and underwent surgery to have them removed.
The magnets punctured and twisted his intestines, blocked his bowel and caused internal bleeding.
The NSW Products Safety Committee investigated the matter and the NSW Government has agreed with the recommendation to introduce a product safety standard requiring toys with magnets to have a warning label.
Small, powerful magnets are used in a variety of toys sold widely including toy train sets, letters and figures, educational building sets, dolls, play sets and accessories.
Commissioner Driscoll applauds the work done by NSW and supports the introduction of a mandatory standard. She said WA will introduce a similar standard.
“I strongly support moves to make these toys safer through a uniform, national standard because it is the wellbeing of children that is at stake,” Ms Driscoll said.
“I look forward to working with the ACCC and our interstate counterparts in achieving positive changes to safety regulations in regard to toys.”
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