OPINION December 12, 2011 Letter: High-powered magnets not for kids
To the editor: This holiday season, a dangerous product is being marketed by leading online merchandisers. Amazon, for example, is selling something called "Magnet Balls" under its "Toys & Games" category. Amazon does advise: "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD — Small parts. Not for children under 3 years." This product, however, is much more than a choking hazard. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, swallowing or inhaling multiple magnets causes "small holes in the stomach and intestines, intestinal blockage, blood poisoning and even death." The CPSC has issued a warning that children of all ages are being harmed by high-powered magnets in increasing numbers. Several years ago, small, powerful magnets were banned from children's toys due to injuries and deaths. The building-set manufacturer Magnetix was fined $1.1 million for continuing to market toys containing them. Keep your holiday safe. Remove all products with dangerous magnets from your shopping list. Sally Ann Connolly Danvers