Overstock.com Recalls High-Powered Magnet Sets Due to Ingestion Hazards

Buckyballs high-powered magnet sets

Date of Recall

2013-04-15

CPSC Release Number

13-731

Manufactured In

China

Units

539

Importer

Maxfield & Oberton LLC

Sold By

Overstock.com and retailers nationwide from November 2010 through July 2012 for about $20.

Problem/Hazard

When two or more magnets are swallowed, they can link together inside a child's intestines and clamp onto body tissues, causing intestinal obstructions, perforations, sepsis and death. Internal injury from magnets can pose serious lifelong health effects.

Injuries/Incidents

Overstock has received no reports of injuries. CPSC has received 54 reports of incidents involving children ingesting high-powered magnets resulting in 53 reports of medical intervention. 

Description

This recall involves high-powered magnets sets with the brand name Buckyballs. The sets contain 216 silver-colored, spherical rare earth magnets, each about five millimeters in diameter.

Remedy

Overstock.com will contact each purchasing customer directly to coordinate the recall. Consumers should stop using the recalled high-powered magnet sets immediately, take all associated individual magnets away from children and teenagers, and contact Overstock.com for a full refund.  

Consumer Contact

Overstock.com Inc. at e-mail [email protected] or online at www.overstock.com for more information.

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