Serious Injuries Prompt Recall of Mattel's Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets
CPSC recall 07039 · announced November 21, 2006 · Mattel · 2 units affected
The product
The recalled Polly Pocket play sets contain plastic dolls and accessories that have small magnets. The magnets measure 1/8 inch in diameter and are imbedded in the hands and feet of some dolls, and in the plastic clothing, hair pieces and other accessories to help the pieces attach to the doll or to the doll's house. The model number is printed on the bottom of the largest pieces on some of the play sets. Contact Mattel if you cannot find a model number on your product to determine if it is part of the recall. Polly Pocket magnetic play sets currently on store shelves are not included in this recall. Polly Pocket Magnetic Play Sets Item Number Polly Pocket!™ Polly Place™ Hangin' Out House™ B2632 Polly Pocket!™ Polly Place™ Treetop Clubhouse™ B3158 Polly Pocket!™ Spa Day™ B3201 Polly Totally!™ Polly Place™ Totally Tiki Diner™ B7118 Polly Pocket!™ Quik-Clik™ Boutique G8605 Polly Pocket!™ Quik-Clik™ City Pretty Playset H1537 Polly Pocket!™ Quik-Clik™ Sporty Style Playset H1538 Polly Pocket!™ Totally Zen™ Playset H3211
The hazard
Tiny magnets inside the dolls and accessories can fall out undetected by parents and caregivers. The magnets can be swallowed, aspirated by young children or placed by a child in their nose or ears. When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal. Aspiration to the lungs requires immediate surgery. Magnets placed in the nose or ears can cause swelling and be difficult to remove.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel to arrange for the return of the sets and to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the customer's choice, up to the value of the returned product.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): CPSC is aware of 170 reports of the small magnets coming out of these recalled toys. There were three reports of serious injuries to children who swallowed more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery. A 2-year-old child was hospitalized for seven days and a 7-year-old child was hospitalized for 12 days. An 8-year-old child was also hospitalized.
Sold at: Discount department stores and toy stores from May 2003 through September 2006 for between $15 and $30.
Consumer contact: For additional information contact Mattel at (888) 597-6597 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.service.mattel.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.