Mattel’s surprising apology to China about the toy recalls has spotlighted a dangerous toy flaw somewhat underplayed in recent headlines. The elevated lead paint issue has grabbed most of the attention, for good reason, but the truth about Mattel’s summer recalls is that, of the some 21 million products recalled, 18 million toys — including many popular Polly Pocket and Barbie accessories — were related to potentially hazardous magnets.
As Mattel stated in its apology, the magnet problem was not related to China’s manufacturing techniques, but the engineering specifications given by the toy company. Mattel first issued a recall related to the magnet problem back in 2006, when it recalled 2 million Polly Pocket play sets. Mattel isn’t the only manufacturer to have missed the danger. Magnetix, made by MEGA Brands, recalled 4 million toys with the tiny, powerful magnets in 2006 and then expanded the recall to include another 4 million in 2007.
Lead paint poisoning generally happens over time and can cause learning problems and developmental delays. Magnets, on the other hand, are a more immediate hazard. If they become dislodged from the toy and a child swallows more than one, the magnets wreak havoc on the digestive system, tearing holes and twisting intestines as they try to reconnect within the body. Early symptoms, however, often mirror a stomach flu so parents are not immediately alarmed. Dozens have been hospitalized after ingesting magnets and one toddler, Kenny Sweet Jr., died in late 2005 after swallowing Magnetix magnets. The Chicago Tribune investigated the issue here, claiming companies and government officials did not act quickly enough to recall the product.
As a parent, I am concerned about both problems, of course. But the magnet problem is even more alarming, in some ways, because it wasn’t a slip-up that can be fixed with more stringent testing and oversight. This was something that the toy designers missed completely as a potential hazard. Some think Mattel at first purposely linked the lead paint and magnet hazards to deflect attention from their mistake.
The Toy Industry Association worked with standards group ASTM this year to require that toymakers use new warning labels for magnetic toys or ensure that magnets are “reliably contained” within a toy. The groups plan to review the issue again to see if any further changes are needed. As far as being reliably contained, perhaps manufacturers can make larger plastic pieces to contain the magnets, as the CDC suggests, or have toys endure tougher durability testing so the magnets won’t be so easily dislodged? Some, like Illinois attorney general Lisa Madigan, have called for a ban of the “rare earth” magnets in kids’ toys. It’s worth looking at. The hazards have been well documented and there’s no reason not to take bold steps.
Comments
Leave a Comment