Victoria Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien

Warning On Magnets In Toys Following Toddler’s Death

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien has reminded Victorian parents and carers of the dangers that toys containing magnets can pose if swallowed following the recent death of a Queensland toddler.

“Any product with magnets small enough to swallow is a risk to children.” Mr. O’Brien said.

Small, strong magnets are used to attach parts in a variety of children’s toys, or to make toys magnetically stick to other play objects.

If children put magnets in their mouth, they can choke if the magnets lodge in their throat. This can cause children to suffocate if the magnets are blocking their windpipe.

The matter of the toddler’s recent death is currently being examined by the Queensland Coroner.

“Along with posing a risk of choking, magnets can also cause injury when they pass through a child’s digestive system.” Mr. O’Brien said.

The mandatory standard for children’s toys containing magnets (intended for use by children aged under 14 years) covers warning labels required for packaging and instructions to prevent serious illness that can result if a child swallows hazardous magnets.

“While there are standards in place regarding strong magnets used in toys, it is extremely important that parents keep all magnets out of reach of children.” Mr. O’Brien said.

“People should think twice before buying these types of items and should not think that this can’t happen to their family.”

Consumer Affairs Victoria enforces very strict safety standards and ban orders to ensure products available for sale are safe and fit for purpose, and in 2010-2011 confiscated more than 49,000 products that failed to comply with product safety standards, including more than 45,000 children’s toys.

These products posed a variety of risks, as they could easily break into small parts and pose a choking hazard or contained inappropriate projectiles that could cause severe eye injuries to young children.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, a supplier who fails to comply with a mandatory safety standard can face fines of up to $220,000 for individuals and $1.1 Million for a body corporate.

Advice For Buying Toys With Magnets

• Make sure the toy is age-appropriate for the child playing with it;
• Check that the magnets are securely attached and cannot come off easily or are embedded in the toy, to stop them being swallowed;
• Regularly check toys for signs of wear and tear and always dispose of magnets if they come loose;
• If you suspect a child has swallowed magnets, seek urgent medical assistance to prevent the likelihood of choking, suffocation, serious infections and death.

Further information on product safety can be found at consumer.vic.gov.au