More Toy Recalls in Canada

There has been a recall on a Children’s Balloon Blowing Kit which “consist of a solvent mixture in a tube and one or more plastic straws for blowing. Children can form balloons or bubbles by dipping the short straw into the solvent and blowing through the straw.” Aside from being so generic in description, I would be stricken with anxiety if this recall hadn’t included pictures. Although, I have never seen a balloon blowing kits which look like these, I did not know that they have been banned in Canada since 1973!

Here is a caption from the recall: “Children can be fascinated with these products, and if they blow balloons for extended periods they may experience early symptoms of central nervous system depression or dysfunction, including euphoria, hallucinations, dizziness, and difficulties with coordination of voluntary movements. Prolonged exposure can lead to more serious symptoms including muscular twitching, unconsciousness, and coma.” — Lovely.

Aside from the obvious safety and central nervous system health issues associated with the prolonged use of this product - this strange little product reiterates to me:

1. That a children’s toy, which has been banned in Canada for 35 years can still be sold to our families in Canada, and specifically at the CNE.

2. Consumers are not told what the contents are of the tube? What are the solvents in this banned product and how many items were sold?

The truth is, if it’s been 35 years, we won’t know.