4 Million "Aqua Dots" Toy Sets Recalled

Over 4 million "Aqua Dots" craft kits are being recalled because colored beads in the sets are coated with a chemical that can turn toxic if ingested, causing children who swallow the beads to possibly become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received two reports of children swallowing the beads before vomiting, becoming comatose, and requiring hospitalization. Both children have since recovered. The Aqua Dots craft kits let children create artistic designs using the small colored beads, which fuse together when sprayed with water. According to Reuters, the Aqua Dots sets can be found on Wal-Mart Stores Inc's list of its top 12 Christmas toys. The sets are manufactured in China and distributed throughout the U.S. by Spin Master Ltd. of Toronto, Canada. CPSC and Spin Master Ltd. are advising consumers to immediately take Aqua Dots kits away from children and contact Spin Master Ltd. for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value.

• CPSC Press Release on Aqua Dots Recall
• Recall Information from Spin Master Ltd.
• Reuters: U.S. Recalls 4M Aqua Dots Toys Due to Chemical
• Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw)