Regular readers of this blog are likely aware of recent issues surrounding products known as Buckyballs and Buckycubes. Though seemingly not a problem when placed on desks of adults, there have been multiple reporter of children and youths needing surgery after swallowing the magnetic balls that makeup the products.

The problem that can arise after the small magnetic balls are swallowed is that they can make holes in intestines or pinch the walls of intestines. If the problem is not quickly addressed and the balls containing the strong magnets removed, the person who swallowed them could die. Some doctors have likened the injuries inflicted on the patient as being like that of a gunshot wound. The only thing missing are holes where the bullet entered and exited the body.

Instances of swallowing have reportedly occurred when kids and teens use the small balls to pretend that a tongue is pierced. Other times younger children mistake the magnets for candy. In the last three years there have been at least twelve reports of the balls being swallowed. These issues arose despite warnings placed on the products indicating that they are only intended for individuals 14-years-old and above. Those warnings don't appear to have had an effect.

In our last post on the topic this past August, the Consumer Product Safety Commission had filed a lawsuit to stop the sale of the products. In this post, we provide an update on the matter. The manufacturer of the product has agreed to cease making the item. It claims that legal badgering by the CPSC is the cause.

Source: CNN, "Magnetic Buckyballs toys discontinued," Ashley Hayes, Nov. 2, 2012

• Our firm handles similar situations to the one discussed in this post. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pennsylvania defective products page.