VIDEO: 16×9 investigation into magnetic beads danger. Originally aired on March 22, 2013
TORONTO – Health Canada has issued a recall for a number of adult novelty products containing small, powerful magnets that can be swallowed or inhaled by children.
BuckyBalls novelty sets contain a number of rare earth element magnets many times more powerful than traditional magnets.
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Some children have needed emergency surgery to remove swallowed magnets that can attract one another while moving through the intestines.
The magnets can trap intestinal tissue between them and cause life-threatening blockages or tearing.
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Distributors of BuckyBalls are voluntarily recalling the products after a Health Canada risk assessment found they pose a danger to human health and safety.
The federal department says consumers should stop using the magnet sets and contact their municipality for instructions on safe disposal or recycling.
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