Aqua Dots touted as top Christmas toy now on recall

Aqua Dots the U.S. version of the Bindeez beads that were recalled yesterday in Australia are now also on recall, all of approximately 4.2 million units of them. Dizziness, vomiting, seizures, respiratory issues and comatose states have been reported.

Aqua Dots are included in a wide variety of kits and also sold in refill type packages. They are little beads that have a glue coating causing them to stick together when sprayed with water therefore allowing the children to make a variety of designs and marketed for children age 4+. Unfortunately the coating on the beads is actually toxic when swallowed, and there have been reports of it being the equivalent of GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate) known as a date-rape drug that when ingested can cause unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death. So far five children, two in the U.S. a 20-month-old boy who swallowed several dozen beads became dizzy, vomited several times and went into a comatose state. The child was hospitalized and has since recovered. The second child, age and sex not reported also had the same reactions and has was hospitalized for five days. The three children in Australia, a 2-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl were hospitalized after swallowing the beads. A 19-month-old toddler also was also being treated after swallowing the beads This recall covers all models of the Aqua Dots that have been sold nationwide from April 2007 to November 2007 at prices ranging from $17 to $30. Manufactured in China and the distributor is Spin Master of Toronto, Canada. Pet pals You can contact Spin Master at (800) 622-8339 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for free replacement beads or a toy of equal value. An online exchange form is available here and more information about the recall can be found here Super studio For information on the initial Austrialian recall of the Bindeez Beads recall see "Popular Children's Toy Bindeez Beads Being Recalled" posted by Permafrog yesterday. If you happen to have any of those top Christmas toy lists rip them up and toss them and instead get the kid a box to play with (make sure it doesn't have any staples in it though). Oh yeah good luck with the holiday shopping for the kids.