Millions of toys made in China have been recalled from North American and Australian shelves. It was discovered by scientists that these toys contain a chemical that converts into a powerful “date rape” drug if swallowed.
Five children, including two in the United States and three in Australia, required hospitalization after ingesting Aqua Dots, a very popular holiday toy distributed by Spin Master Toys. Spin Master Toys is based in Toronto. In Australia, the Aqua Dots are called Bindeez, and were named toy of the year at an industry event earlier this year. Both Aqua Dots and Bindeez are sold by Australia-based Moose Enterprises.
The toy beads are sold on websites and in stores for use in craft projects. They can be arranged in designs and, when sprayed with water, they fuse together.
According to king5.com, scientists say that if the chemical coating on the beads is accidentally ingested, it can turn into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxyl butyrate (GHB). Symptoms of poisoning from this compound can include drowsiness, seizures, unconsciousness, coma, and death. GHB is made from common and easily available ingredients.
According to Scott Wolfson, Consumer Product Safety Commission spokesman, the two U.S. children who swallowed Aqua Dot beads went into non-responsive comas.
If you or someone you know has purchased Aqua Dot beads, which were sold by mass merchandisers nationwide from April 2007 through November 2007, please check store and local news sites for Washington product recall information. If you believe that your child has ingested Aqua Dot beads, contact your physician immediately. And call the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Bernard Law Group, 1-800-418-8282, or visit our website, www.4injured.com