Arsenic, magnets prompt N.L. recall of Magnetic Putty

OTTAWA – Health Canada says a company in Newfoundland and Labrador is voluntarily recalling a product called Magnetic Putty because of high levels of arsenic and small magnets that could be swallowed.

Magnetic Putty is sold in various colours in round metal containers at Gander Wholesalers.

Arsenic is toxic and exposure to it can cause developmental neurotoxicity.

Health Canada also says the small powerful magnets in the units can be easily swallowed or inhaled by children.

The federal agency says the magnets can attract one another if swallowed and pinch together to create a blockage and slowly cause perforations in the intestinal walls.

Health Canada says about 1,160 of the Chinese-made Magnetic Putty units were sold at Gander Wholesales between November 2017 and March 2018.

Consumers who have them should contact Gander Wholesalers with proof of purchase to get a full refund.

There have been no reports of injuries in Canada.