This year, National Poison Prevention Week falls on the week of March 19-25. In order to draw attention to common poisoning hazards, we’ve put together a list of a few recent recalls that highlight the dangers of lead, button batteries, and more. To keep up with recalls in real time, follow KID on social media (Facebook, Twitter) and sign up for our monthly alerts.
These 5 products, and others, have recently been recalled for poisoning hazards:
Little Live Pets Lil Frog and Lil Frog Lily Pad by Moose Toys — 427,000 units of these toy frogs were recalled in February 2017 for chemical and injury hazards. The issue here is the battery compartment — there have been 17 reports of the battery’s cap becoming a projectile or battery chemicals leaking. These reports include two injuries that resulted in emergency room and doctor’s office visits for eye irritation from the battery chemicals. You can contact the company, Moose Toys, for a free replacement.
M&M’S-Branded Jewelry by Mars Retail Group
— All M&M’S-Branded Jewelry, including earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces, was recalled in August 2016 due to violations of the lead standard. Although no injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with these products, lead is toxic if ingested and can cause severe health problems in children. Consumers can contact M&M’S World or visit an M&M’S World store to return the jewelry for a full refund.
Arts and Crafts Tempera and Finger Paints by Sargent Art — 8 Million units of paint were recalled in October 2016 for exposure to harmful bacteria. Consumers who come into contact with the bacteria, especially immunocompromised individuals, are at risk for serious illness, including bacterial infection. If you have this item, you can get a full refund from Sargent Art.
Metal Top Dining Tables by Restoration Hardware — Although these tables are not children’s products, any products that violate lead standards can pose a serious hazard to any children in the home. 2,700 units of this product were recalled in February 2017 because the table’s metal top can contain lead. Restoration Hardware received reports of four children from two homes who were found to have elevated blood lead levels. Consumers can contact Restoration Hardware for a full refund or replacement product.
Halloween LED Gel Clings by Target — 127,000 units of
these LED gel clings were recalled in October 2016 for choking and button battery ingestion hazards. The gel clings can separate and expose the LED/button battery compartment. If ingested, button batteries can cause severe damage within hours, and even lead to death. Contact the company for a full refund.
For more information about any of the recalls above, and to view a full list of recalls, visit www.cpsc.gov. For more poison prevention resources visit the Poison Help site or the Illinois Poison Center. These resources are also available in Spanish. You can also contact your local poison center through the toll-free Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222, to access educational materials, information, and receive assistance with a poisoning emergency in 161 languages.
