CPSC takes aim at another magnetic toy

Despite the game's reassuring name, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recently recalled 250,000 Fun ‘n Safe Magnetic Dart Boards sold at Family Dollar stores. As the agency noted, the darts are anything but safe. The small magnet at the end of each dart can detach and, if found by young children, be swallowed or aspirated. If two or more magnets or magnetic components are swallowed separately, they can attract one another through intestinal walls.  This traps the magnets in place and can cause holes (perforations), twisting and/or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning (sepsis), and even death.

No such incidents or injuries have been reported with the recalled toy, which is fortunate given that the sets have been for sale since January 2001.

But as we’ve reported here before, scores of children have had to undergo delicate surgery to have magnets from toys removed from their digestive systems. And one child died after swallowing multiple magnets. The CPSC announced its first  recall of magnet toys in March 2006, which makes us wonder why it took so long for this product to be recalled.

Consumers who have the dart game should take the darts away from children immediately and return the set to a Family Dollar store for a refund. If any magnets have fallen out of the darts, make sure they are accounted for and dispose of them. For more information visit www.familydollar.com or call (800) 547-0359 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.