DESK-TOY MAGNETS ‘TOO DIFFICULT’ TO DRAG BACK FROM HOMES

TINY SUPER-STRONG magnets used in popular desk toys have been banned in New Zealand.

But it would be too difficult to recall them from offices and living rooms, says Consumer Affairs Minister Simon Bridges.

Importing or selling sets of powerful magnets such as Buckyballs and Neocubes was outlawed from Thursday by an Unsafe Goods Notice.

But so many different companies sold them, including many internet retailers, that recalling them would probably not work, said Bridges.

Two New Zealand boys required life-saving surgery after swallowing ball bearing-sized magnets.

In a statement on the ban, Bridges said officials were aware of a third injured New Zealand child and at least one reported death, of an 18-monthold, in Queensland.

Magnets up to 50 times stronger than typical fridge magnets are sold in sets and intended to be fiddled with and moulded into shapes.

Several online retailers offloaded them at a discount last week, ahead of the ban.

‘‘Though these magnets tend to be marketed at adults as office toys and many brands carry strict safety warnings, it is clear from the cases here and overseas that they pose too great a risk to children,’’ said Bridges.

‘‘Because of their strength, older children have been known to use these magnets as mock jewellery, such as mouth or tongue studs. Young children swallow them out of natural curiosity.’’

When children swallow two or more the magnets can join up in the digestive system, and if not discovered can lead to tearing, tissue damage, infection and death.

Officials believe New Zealand is the third country to formally ban them, after Australia and the United States.

Bridges said anyone who already owned a set should make sure young children could not get them and older children were aware of the risks.