UPDATE: The AquaDots version of this product has now been recalled in U.S. as well. See notice at the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Parents, please be aware that a toy known as Bindeez Beads from Australia has been recalled due to toxicity. Similar products are sold as “Aquadots,” which are sold in both Wal-Mart and Target stores and other as well as via the Internet.
Apparently, in the U.S. it has not yet established if the AquaDots versions are as dangerous.
According to the Wall Street Journal, “… Moose Enterprises declined to comment on whether reports of health problems linked to the toy extended beyond Australia.”
Updated: Our own Consumer Product Safety Commission has now issued a recall on the U.S. version of these toys. As of yesterday, they had not been pulled from all retailer’s shelves, although some stores seemed to be removing them voluntarily.
*See WSJ article for more information.
It would seem wise to avoid these products until further testing is done or until they are proven to be harmless, because when the toxic beads are ingested they simulated date rape drugs. Symptoms include drowsiness, unconsciousness, and can produce more serious effects including coma and can be fatal. So far, three children have had to be hospitalized but ingestion has not been associate with any deaths.
Because of this strange occurrence, it was at first feared that there was something sinister behind it, but apparently, the wrong substance was used, and it somehow mimics gamma hydroxyl butyrate found in the date rape drug.
While it may not have been intentional, unfortunately, it does appear to be another case of Chinese products lacking quality after the substitution of cheaper ingredients.
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After lead paint causing so many toy recalls and now this, it’s becoming frightening to buy toys for our children. While some people are trying to avoid the Made in China label, it may not always be feasible for everyone. It also makes sense to pay attention to warnings and even news stories about potentially dangerous products, since stories seem to appear before recalls do more and more. Since some retailers don’t rush to pull potentially problematic items, they can remain available for purchase despite dangers. Please share this information with other parents.