Washington – The Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging parents to be aware of the serious hazards posed by magnet sets used in desk toys and puzzles.
CPSC approved a national safety standard for high-powered magnet sets on Sept. 24. These magnet sets are particularly dangerous – even potentially deadly – to young children because, if swallowed, the magnets can attract each other, causing the intestines or other digestive tissues to pinch together. About 2,900 magnet-related injuries were treated in emergency departments from 2009 to 2013, according to CPSC.
The standard, which will go into effect 180 days after it is published in the Federal Register, makes it illegal to produce, distribute and sell magnet sets that do not comply.
