Aqua Dots: Children’s craft toy converts to date rape drug
November 8, 2007
The Christmas season of sugar plum fairies and toys dancing is but a month and a half away. Parents are beginning to plan and shop for small children who will be giddy with anticipation of shiny wrapped toys and glistening ribbon under the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. It’s a magical time, especially for the wee ones.
However, this Christmas season parents have real cause for worry. We are being notified of dangerous toy recalls more and more these days. The latest recall involves a beaded craft toy coated in a chemical that when ingested converts to the equivalent of a date rape drug causing dizziness, vomiting and coma.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall of Aqua Dots, a craft kit for children ages 4 and up. With small colored beads, children create multi-dimensional designs by fusing the beads together with water. The problem, as stated by CPSC occurs because
“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.”
Several children have become ill, although no deaths have been reported to date. There are approximately 4.2 million Aqua Dots kits distributed by Spin Master in Toronto, Canada. And of course, no surprise here — the Aqua Dots craft kits are manufactured in China. Consumers are advised to take the Aqua Dots craft kits away from children immediately and contact Spin Master to return the Aqua Dots craft kit for either free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.
The list of recalled toys during October and November due to dangerous levels of lead are staggering. The CPSC page for November include:
- Pearl-like Bead Attachment Sold with Girl’s Gift Sets Recalled Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold exclusively at Limited Too Stores
- Northern Tool & Equipment Recalls “Big Red” Wagons Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- International Sourcing Ltd. Recalls Toy Dragster and Funny Car Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Toy Cars Recalled by Dollar General Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Additional Spinning Top Recalled by Schylling Associates Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Schylling Associates Recalls Dizzy Ducks Music Box Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
- Schylling Associates Recalls Collectable Toy Robot Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Schylling Associates Recalls Duck Family Collectable Toy Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
And the disturbing reality is this is we are only into the 8th day of November.
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