Out of the Ordinary - Kids' Toy Pulled for Drug Concerns

Nov 08, 06:52 PM

Current Headlines: WASHINGTON - Millions of Chinese-made toys for children have been pulled from shelves in North America and Australia after scientists found they contain a chemical that converts into a powerful "date rape" drug when ingested.

Two children in the United States and three in Australia were hospitalized after swallowing the beads.

In the United States, the toy goes by the name Aqua Dots, a highly popular holiday toy distributed by Toronto-based Spin Master Toys.

The toy beads are sold in general merchandise stores and over the Internet for use in arts and crafts projects. They can be arranged into designs and fused together when sprayed with water.

Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called "date rape" drug gamma hydroxy butyrate . When eaten, the compound can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death.

Originally published by Associated Press .

(c) 2007 Commercial Appeal, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.