United Scientific Recalls Magnets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2008
Release #08-279

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 284-8570
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

United Scientific Recalls Magnets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Various magnets

Units: About 2.35 million

Importer: United Scientific, of Waukegan, Ill.

Hazard: Surface paint on the magnets contains high levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves magnets listed in the chart below. The model numbers are located on the magnets packaging. Only painted magnets are included in this recall.

Sold by: Independent distributors nationwide from October 1996 through September 2007 for between 50 cents and $15. Distributors sold the products to schools for use in science classes.

Manufactured in: India

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled magnets and contact United Scientific to receive a free replacement magnet.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact United Scientific toll-free at (888) 284-8570 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or email the firm at consumeraffairs@unitedsci.com

Model Number (Number of Magnets in Package): Description

MGTKIT (4): 3 red ring magnets 38mm x 8 mm, 1 four inch red horseshoe magnet

MSET4 (4): 2 red bar magnets 80x15x10mm, 1 small red horseshoe magnet 25mm x 8mm, 1 large red horseshoe magnet 35mm x 15 mm

CBM050 (2): Red bar magnet pair 50mm

CM7907-R (1): ceramic ring magnets 38mm x 8 mm

CM7907-B (blue) (1): ceramic ring magnets 38mm x 8 mm

CM7907-W (white) (1): ceramic ring magnets 38mm x 8 mm

CM7907-PK/2 (red or blue) (1): ceramic ring magnets 38mm x 8 mm

CM7912-R (2): Red ceramic disc magnet 25mm x 5 mm

MBSET6 (6): 75mm long, scored in two places like a candy bar, sold in six different colors

AUM020 (1): Red 2 inch U-shaped magnets

AUM025 (1): Red 1 inch U-shaped magnets

ACM020 (1): Pair of red cylindrical magnets 50mm x 5 mm

ACM050 (2): Pair of red cylindrical magnets 125mm x 10mm

ABM030 (2): Pair of red and blue bar magnets with North (N) & South (S) Poles marked. 3 inches long x 1/2 inch wide

ABM015-E, ABM020, ABM040, ABM060, ABM040, ABM060, ABM010, ABM015 (2): Red bar magnets, lengths range from 1 1/2 inches to 6 inches, some have N & S marking

MNSB04 (1): 4 inch magnetic needle on plastic support. One end of needle is painted red.

MHS020 (1): Red U-shaped magnet, two inches tall

MHS030 (1): Red U-shaped magnet, three inches tall

CMSET1 (6): Ceramic disc magnets, 25mm x 5 mm, sold in six different colors

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08279.html