WASHINGTON (CNN) - Several million magnetic building sets have been recalled in the United States because more than 30 children fell ill -- and one died -- after swallowing small magnets that fell out of the toys, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Friday.

Parents should immediately take all Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets away from their small children, the CPSC said, estimating that 3.8 million sets have been sold.

Parents should immediately take all Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets away from their small children, the CPSC said.

A 20-month-old boy died after swallowing magnets that twisted his small intestine and caused a blockage, the CPSC said. Overall, 34 incidents involving small children have been reported to the government.

Three children, ranging in age from 3 to 8 years, "had intestinal perforations that required surgery and hospitalization in intensive care," the CSPC said. "A 5-year-old child aspirated two magnets that were surgically removed from his lung."

"Tiny magnets inside the plastic building pieces and rods can fall out," the CPSC said. "Magnets found by young children can be swallowed or aspirated. If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract to each other and cause intestinal perforation or blockage, which can be fatal.

"This product is unsuitable for young children."

It's estimated that 3.8 million of the All Magnetix Magnetic Building Sets have been sold in the United States by Wal-Mart (Research), Target (Research), Toys R Us, Fred Meyer, Design Science Toys and A.C. Moore (Research), as well as other toy and arts and craft stores since September 2003, the CPSC said.

The sets were made in China and imported into the United States by Rose Art Industries, of Livingston, N.J.

The recall was voluntarily, the CPSC said.

The sets contain 20 to 200 red, yellow, blue and green plastic building pieces shaped as squares, triangles and cylinder rods. Some pieces have "Magnetix" imprinted on them, the CPSC said. The sets also include 20 to 100 half-inch steel balls.

"Consumers should stop using the magnetic sets and return the sets to Rose Art for a free replacement product suitable for young children under the age of 6," the CPSC said. "Consumers should be sure to keep all small magnet parts out of the hands of children who mouth objects, especially children under the age of three."

The CPSC suggested consumers could contact the company through its Web site: www.roseart.com.

_______________________________

Does a coworker talk to you in a condescending tone? Click here to see people's biggest office pet peeves.

Among tech stocks, Apple and Google are, like, sooo cool and sooo expensive. Time for a second look at stocks that the In crowd won't touch today. Full story here.