Dangerous Toy Magnets: 7 Deaths and Countless Hospitalizations Spark Recall and Warnings

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that small, powerful magnets found in toys have been linked to seven deaths and over 2,000 emergency-room visits. The magnets, which are easily ingested, can attach to other metal objects, posing a greater hazard if swallowed. Even when swallowed alone, the magnets can cause intestinal perforation, blockage, blood poisoning, or death. The commission has issued warnings about six other companies with similar toys and has recalled a toy set sold by XpressGoods. The commission can take legal action or initiate a mandatory recall process, but this can be a lengthy process.