Mattel recalls 2.4M Polly Pocket dolls, playsets

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Toymaker Mattel has recalled about 2.4 million Polly Pocket dolls and accessories with magnets because tiny magnets inside the toys can be swallowed by young children thereby posing risk of serious injury.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) said it was aware of 170 reports of the small magnets coming out of these recalled toys.

This Polly Pocket Polly Place Hangin'-out House Playset is among the models being recalled. (model number: B2632)

Additionally, three children were reported to have suffered serious injuries after they swallowed more than one magnet. All three suffered intestinal perforations that required surgery, the agency said.

The CPSC said the toys' tiny magnets can fall out and go undetected by parents. The magnets can be swallowed or inhaled or placed their nose or ears by young children.

When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause intestinal perforation, infection or blockage, which can be fatal. Aspiration to the lungs requires immediate surgery. Magnets placed in the nose or ears can cause swelling and be difficult to remove.

The small magnets in the recalled Polly Pocket playsets measure 1/8 inch in diameter and are imbedded in the hands and feet of some dolls, and in the plastic clothing, hair pieces and other accessories to help the pieces attach to the doll or to the doll's house, the CPSC said.

The model number is printed on the bottom of the largest pieces on some of the play sets. The toys, imported by Mattel (Charts), were manufactured in China and sold at discount, department stores and toy stores from May 2003 through September 2006 for between $15 and $30.

Mattle sold an additional 2 million playsets worldwide.

The CPSC said consumers should immediately take these recalled toys away from children and contact Mattel to arrange for the return of the sets and to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the customer's choice, up to the value of the returned product.

Polly Pocket magnetic play sets currently on store shelves are not included in this recall.

The recall comes at a time when toymakers including Mattel, Hasbro (Charts) and others are gearing up for the all-important holiday gift-buying period.

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