Nov 7, 2007 5:13 pm US/Central
U.S. Recalls Aqua Dots Kids' Toy
Hot Holiday Item Releases Dangerous Drug If Ingested
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
The Consumer Products Safety Commission on Wednesday recalled another hot holiday toy: beads that, when swallowed, release the "date rape" drug.
The CPSC issued the recall late Wednesday because the coating on Aqua Dots 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. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
In a statement, CPSC said it has received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots, which are distributed by Spin Master, a Toronto-based company.
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. He was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.
In Australia, officials have ordered the same toy removed stores after three children in the last 10 days there were sickened when they swallowed the beads. The Australian version of the toy is called Bindeez, and scientists say the beads contain a chemical that, when ingested, the body metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug, also known as GHB.
"This toxin can cause you to become comatose from which you may either stop breathing or obstruct your airway and cause death," said poison expert Naren Gunja.
Even though Toys R Us listed Aqua Dots as one of the 15 hottest toys for the holidays, the retailer on Tuesday pulled the toy from its North American stores, until safety questions can be resolved.
The news worries parents.
"I just don't know if things necessarily are being thoroughly inspected before being out on the market," said parent Dana Micheli.
"You definitely have to be careful so I'm sticking with names that have been around a long time," said parent Janet Larson.
Aqua Dots are made in Hong Kong. CBS 2 made several calls to the North American distributor, Spin Master Toys of Canada, to ask what they plan to do now. There was no response as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.
cbs2chicago.com's Most Popular Pages
Slideshow: '90s TV Stars Then & Now Slideshow: Useless Body Parts Slideshow: In To Be Out: Gay Celebrities Slideshow: Did You Know? Stars From Chicago!
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
