Water Absorbing Toys Recalled to Avoid Ingestion Risks

Authorities at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced A voluntary recall of different types of water absorbing toys manufactured by Dunecraft Inc., based in Ohio, citing risks of small children swallowing the gel toys that can expand inside the body.

Nearly 94,700 units of water absorbing toys have been affected by the recall notice issued by the Commission, Monday.

The present recall comes after an eight-month-old girl from Texas was rushed to emergency care and nearly died after swallowing one of the water balls. Doctors had to operate on the infant to remove the big water ball.

The marble-sized toys contain superabsorbent polymer and can grow 400 times bigger in water. When swallowed, it expands inside the body, blocking the small intestine. Children who swallow these water absorbing toys start displaying symptoms like vomiting and dehydration. According to the authorities, surgery is the only way to remove the toy from the body and save the child's life.

The recalled water toys come in different shapes and names: Water Balz (round-shape), Growing Skulls (skull-shape), H20 Orbs 'Despicable Me' (round-shape) and Fabulous Flowers (flower-shape). The colorful toys, with a cost of $3 per package, were available at different stores across the country and online.

"Please stop selling the product and remove it from the shelves immediately!!" a statement appearing on the company website said.

CPSC urged consumers to stop using the recalled product and approach the company to receive a free replacement toy. Consumers can contact the company at (800), 306-4168, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday.