2.4 million magnetic toys recalled in US for risk of internal damage

Toy distributor Mega Brands Inc. recalled about 2.4 million Chinese-made toys on Monday because small magnets could fall out and cause internal damage to children who might swallow or inhale them.

If more than one magnet were to be ingested, they could adhere to each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which could be fatal.

Mega Brands is recalling 1.1 million Magtastik and Magnetix Jr. toys for preschoolers, children below 6 years old. The company and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have received 19 reports of magnets having fallen out of the toys. In one incident, an 18-month-old boy put a magnet in his mouth but did not swallow it. In another, a 3-year-old boy needed medical treatment to remove a magnet from his nasal cavity.

The recall is the latest of several involving toys and other products made in China.

The recall also includes about 1.3 million MagnaMan magnetic action figures. The company and commission have received 25 reports of magnets having fallen out of those figures. No medical emergencies involving magnets from the action figures have been reported.

In March 2006, Mega Brands recalled 3.8 million Magnetix magnetic building sets because one child died and four others were injured seriously after swallowing tiny magnets from the toys.

Monday's recalled products were sold between January 2005 and December 2007 at toy stores around the country, including some of the United States' largest toy sellers.