Health Canada warns of three DigitDots magnet sets that pose serious risks

Issue

Health Canada is warning Canadians of the serious danger posed by DigitDots magnet sets that were sold to Canadians online by HD Premier. These sets contain small, powerful magnets that can be easily swallowed by children of all ages, posing serious and potentially life-threatening risks. When more than one powerful magnet is swallowed in a short period of time, the magnets can attract one another while moving through the intestines. This can cause the intestines to twist, creating blockages or tearing of the intestinal walls. Swallowing more than one magnet can damage gastrointestinal tissues and can require emergency surgical treatment, resulting in possible long-term health effects and even death.

What you should do

• Immediately stop using these magnet sets, check that all pieces are accounted for, and safely dispose of the products.
• Do not purchase products with easily accessible small powerful magnets.
• Do not allow children to play with small items that contain powerful magnets.
• Teach children of all ages that magnets and items containing magnets should never be placed in their mouth, nose or ears. Even older children have unintentionally swallowed magnets. This can happen when they use them as fake tongue or cheek piercings, attach them to braces, or separate magnets with their teeth.
• Seek immediate medical attention for any child who has swallowed (or is suspected of having swallowed) one or more magnets.
• Read and follow the age recommendations, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for products before giving them to children.
• Regularly check the Healthy Canadians Recalls and Safety Alerts database for dangerous products and take action to remove items of concern.
• Magnet safety
• Buying consumer products online