Spin Master, Inc. agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1.3 million after the Consumer Product Safety Commission alleged the company knew about a defect and hazard associated with Aqua Dots, but failed to report to CPSC immediately, as required by law.
The CPSC said not only did the company fail to report the hazards, but they continued to import and sell Aqua Dots even though the items were a toxic and banned hazardous substance.
Aqua dots had been part of a child-geared craft project containing small beads that, when sprayed with water, would stick together to create various objects.
In fall 2007, the company received reports that children and a dog had become sick and received medical care after ingesting the Aqua Dots.
In mid-October 2007, the company learned that the Aqua Dots contained 1,4-butylene glycol (TMG), which metabolized to the controlled substance, gamma hydroxybutyrate. They also discovered that TMG was harmful if swallowed and targeted the kidneys as well as a person’s central nervous system.
They continued to receive reports of children who had become ill after ingesting the Aqua Dots through the time the voluntary recall was announced. The company failed to report to the CPSC within 24 hours about the know hazards, which is required by federal law.
In early November 2007, the CPSC received reports of children becomming ill and the CPSC, along with Aqua Dots announced a voluntary recall.
The kits were available from various retailers from April 2007 until they were recalled in November 2007 and ranged from $17 to $30.
Illinois Rising Stars 2011