CPSC Warns of Hazardous Magnetic Game, Urges Immediate Disposal

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued an urgent warning regarding a potentially hazardous magnetic game. The product, marketed as "Magnetic Chess Games" by China-based seller JOMO, has been found to contain magnets that fail to meet U.S. federal safety standards.

The CPSC, established in 1972 to protect consumers from product-related injuries, has determined that these loose magnets pose a significant risk of serious injury or death if ingested. Despite receiving a violation notice, JOMO has not agreed to recall the product or offer a remedy, prompting the CPSC to advise immediate disposal of the game.

The product in question was sold on walmart.com, packaged in a blue box labeled "Magnetic" on both sides. Interestingly, despite its name, the set does not include chess-shaped pieces but contains approximately 20 loose black magnets.

Walmart, founded in 1962 and launching its online platform in 2000, has stated that customer safety is paramount. A company spokesperson confirmed that efforts to remove the product from their website began promptly after the CPSC's warning.

The dangers associated with magnet ingestion are well-documented, particularly for children. When swallowed, high-powered magnets can attract each other or other metal objects within the body, potentially leading to severe complications in the digestive system, which is approximately 30 feet long in humans.

"Loose, hazardous magnets pose a risk of serious injury or death."

The CPSC estimates that between 2017 and 2021, an average of 2,400 magnet ingestion cases were treated in hospitals annually. Tragically, eight magnet-related deaths were reported from 2005 to 2021, with two occurring outside the United States.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges in product safety, especially with the rise of global e-commerce. China, the world's largest exporter of goods since 2009, has been a focus of increased scrutiny regarding product safety standards.

The first magnetic toys were introduced in the 1940s, with the first patent for a magnetic chess set filed in 1947. However, the invention of powerful neodymium magnets in 1982 has led to increased safety concerns in toy manufacturing.

As the CPSC conducts approximately 400 recalls annually, this warning serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in consumer safety. The commission has the authority to ban products posing unreasonable risks, a power it may consider exercising in cases like this.

Consumers who have purchased this product are strongly advised to cease use immediately and dispose of it properly to prevent potential harm.