Recalled Toy Causes Comas in Children

Another recalled toy for you to worry about and it's one of the most popular toys on the market this holiday season. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says four million sets of Aqua Dots are being recalled because children are falling into coma's after swallowing them.



The chemical used on the beads becomes a date rape drug when swallowed. We checked and local stores tell us they have pulled them off the shelves but you may already have some in your home. We discovered the chemical used on Aqua Dots is actually used in several products in your home. Here's what you need to know to keep your family safe in this Seven On Your Side Consumer Alert.

When you wet the Aqua Dot beads with water, an adhesive on the beads makes them stick together so children can make designs. The CPSC says it's that adhesive, when swallowed, that converts into a date rape drug known as GHB.

Two children in the U.S. who swallowed several dots became comatose. Three kids in Australia landed in the hospital, including Charlotte Lehane. Said Lehane, "I hope they go off the market so little children won't eat them, so no more accidents happen with them."

We asked Chemist Ashley Harris with the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office to show us what the date rape drug GHB is. Said Harris, "In high concentrations, it can cause hallucinations, euphoria, memory loss of up to 8 hours."

So how does the beads' adhesive become GHB? Explains Harris, "It takes a strong acid to do the conversion. The acid in your stomach is strong enough to do that conversion."

You're probably wondering why this solvent was used on these beads. What will surprise you is Harris told us its actually commonly used in many household cleaners. You probably already have some sitting right in your cupboards.

Said Harris, "There are two chemical solvents out there that can convert directly to GHB when consumed. They're pretty common solvents, they're used in a lot of items."

Harris says it would take swallowing several beads to make a child sick, probably not just one or touching the beads and licking their fingers. The CPSC urges you to take the beads away from children so there's no chance of becoming sick.

A customs official says if the tests come back positive for the chemical, suppliers of the toy in Hong Kong could face a year in jail and fines of nearly $13,000.

Aqua Dots have been sold in various different stores nationwide since April of this year for $17 to $30. They come in several different kits. All of them are being recalled. The CPSC says you should return them to the distributor, Spin Master. You can call Spin Master at 1-800-622-8339 or visit their recall website at:



http://www.aquadotsrecall.com



For more information about the recall check the Consumer Product Safety Commission Website:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08074.html