Advisory - Health Canada Examining Risks Posed by Powerful Magnetic Beads Sold As Novelty Products

OTTAWA, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ -

The issue:

Small powerful magnetic beads sold as novelty products for adults, and small toys containing powerful magnets, pose a recognized health hazard to children of all ages.  There have been many cases of children requiring emergency surgical treatment to remove swallowed magnets and/or magnetic toy pieces from their intestines.  If a child swallows more than one powerful magnet over a short period of time, the magnets can attract one another while travelling through the body. When this happens, the magnets can twist the intestines and create a blockage or they can slowly tear through the intestinal walls.  The results can be very serious and even fatal.

Who is affected:

Health Canada is reminding the public to keep any product with small, loose powerful magnets out of the hands of children of all ages.  Retailers are also reminded of the dangers these products may pose to their customers.

Health Canada has previously alerted parents and caregivers regarding the hazards that small magnets can pose to children, most recently in a 2008 advisory. [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2008/2008_156-eng.php]

What Health Canada is doing:

Currently, Health Canada's Product Safety Inspectors across the country are visiting toy stores and other retailers selling children's products, gathering information on the variety of powerful magnetic products being sold and how they are being marketed. This information will be used in the Department's assessment of the health risks posed by powerful magnetic beads sold as novelty products. As part of regular compliance and enforcement activities, Product Safety Inspectors will also remind retailers of the requirements set out in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and to verify compliance with the Act.

Background:

Recently, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requested that U.S. companies stop the manufacture, import, distribution and sale of sets of small, powerful, individual magnets following a number of incidents in the United States. These products, consisting of hundreds of tiny magnetic beads, are often marketed to adults for stress relief and entertainment, but may pose a serious health risk to children.

Health Canada is aware of two serious incidents in Canada involving children swallowing powerful magnetic beads sold as novelty products. The Department is also aware of numerous reports in other jurisdictions of children ingesting or inhaling them.  Emergency surgical treatment is often required in these cases to remove the magnetic beads.  The majority of cases involve older children and teenagers.  It is known that they use these magnetic beads on braces or to mimic tongue, lip or cheek piercings, which can result in accidental swallowing.

For more information:

Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.

Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.

How to report problems with consumer products:

Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of a consumer product or cosmetic. An easy-to-use incident report form is now available on the Department's website.

E-mail: [email protected]
Mail: Incident Report - Consumer Product Safety Directorate
Health Canada
123 Slater Street
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0K9

Related Health Canada Web content:

To alert parents and caregivers of the serious hazards associated with small powerful magnets, Health Canada has issued a number of consumer advisories:

September 2008 Health Canada Advisory

Health Canada Consumer Information Bulletin

November 2006 Health Canada Advisory

June 2006 Health Canada Advisory

Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls using these social media tools: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/home-accueil/sm-ms/index-eng.php

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SOURCE: Health Canada