US Regulator CPSC Issues Warning for Doraemon's Hazardous Magnetic Ball Sets That Have Caused 7 Deaths

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has warned consumers about using Doraemon Dovfun Suit Magnetic Ball Sets. It has come to light that these products contain loose magnets that pose a significant risk to individuals, especially children.

Reuters reported that seven deaths have already occurred as a result of ingestion.

Non-Compliance With Safety Regulations

According to PR Newswire, CPSC testing has revealed that the magnetic ball sets do not meet the requirements set forth by federal toy regulations. One or more magnets in the sets exceed the permissible strength, and these magnets are of a size that can easily fit within the small parts cylinder as defined by CPSC guidelines.

Potential Dangers and Consequences

After ingestion, the ingested magnets can attract to each other or other metal objects within the digestive system. This can lead to various complications, such as perforations, twisting, blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, and, in severe cases, death. It is estimated that from 2017 to 2021, approximately 2,400 magnet ingestions were treated in hospital emergency departments in the United States alone.

Inaction From the Seller

Despite a Notice of Violation issued to Doraemon, the Chinese seller of these magnetic ball sets, no action has been taken to address the issue. There is no recall of the product or offer of a remedy to consumers. This lack of response from Doraemon is concerning and raises further alarm about the safety of their products.

The magnetic ball sets were sold online at Amazon.com and were priced at around $25. Each set consisted of multi-colored magnetic balls arranged in a cube shape. These sets were sold encased in a clear plastic case and packaged in a portable tin storage box.

In light of these findings, CPSC urges consumers to cease using the Magnetic Ball Sets immediately, keep them out of reach of children, and properly dispose of them. The risk posed by these hazardous magnets is too high to ignore, and swift action is necessary to prevent further harm.

The Need for Enhanced Safety Measures

The CPSC remains committed to ensuring the safety of consumers and will continue to monitor the situation closely. Furthermore, manufacturers and sellers must prioritize compliance and adherence to safety regulations to protect consumers, particularly vulnerable populations like children.

Photo: PR Newswire