This week seemed no different from the past several weeks...many toy recalls due to lead paint. There was however, one recall that was astonishing.
Aqua Dots were recalled. This recall was extremely bothersome as a parent. These beads apparently contain a substance found in a date rape drug. When swallowed by children, this chemical can and has caused children to fall into a coma.
CPSC has received two reports over the past several days of children swallowing Aqua Dots. A 20-month-old child swallowed several dozen beads. He became dizzy and vomited several times before slipping into a comatose state for a period of time, was hospitalized, and has since fully recovered. A second child also vomited and slipped into a comatose state and was hospitalized for five days.
What on earth.??? This craft kit had been voted one of the best toys. In fact, the day before the recall was announced, my children and I were playing with it. Between the lead paint recalls and the strange substances used in toys, it is truly becoming increasingly difficult to feel secure in knowing your children will be safe with the toys they are using. It seems parents just have to be very aware, and try to keep informed about the various recalls...as much as you can be. One idea we can offer is to sign up for email alerts from the consumer product safety commission.
