Warning - Aqua Dots Beads Contain “Date Rape” Drug: Spinmaster of Toronto and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of about 4.2 million sets of the popular Aqua Dots toys because the coating of the beads that causes them to stick together when wet is toxic if ingested. The toys were manufactured in China.

Two children are reported to have become comatose after swallowing the beads. Parents should take Aqua Dots away from children and contact Spinmaster for a free replacement toy.

The chemical on the beads actually converts into GHB (gamma-hydroxy butyrate), or the “date rape drug”, once metabolized.

Aqua Dots are sold in Australia under the name “Bindeez Beads”.

Lead paint toy recalls: Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, MA, and the CPSC are issuing recalls of four toys imported by the company, sold at specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide, because of lead paint violations. The recalled toys are:

Duck Family Collectible Wind-Up Toys,

Winnie the Pooh spinning tops,

Dizzy Ducks Music Boxes,

and “Robot 2000” tin robot.

The CPSC also issued a recall of Northern Tool and Equipment Co.’s Big Red Wagon because of lead paint violation.

Also recalled for lead paint violations are Dragster and Funny Car toys sold at National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) events through Schumacher Racing, and Matco Tools through door to door sales by its representatives.

Also recalled for lead paint are pull back action toy cars sold at Dollar Stores (sample pictured below, see recall site for more photos).

All of the above were manufactured in China.

Two non-lead related recalls: Fisher Price and the CPSC are recalling the Laugh & Learn Kitchen because pieces of the faucet and clock hands can detach, posing a choking hazard for young children.

And Swimways Corp. and and the CPSC are recalling Skippy pool toys due to laceration hazards.

If you don’t want lead and the “date rape” drug on your kids’ toys, please sign our Toy Safety petition.