Balloon Blowing Kits Recalled in Canada Over Chemical Exposure Risk
Health Canada has issued a recall for balloon-blowing kits sold on Amazon Canada due to a chemical hazard.
In an advisory, the department warned consumers about several balloon-blowing kits sold online, highlighting safety concerns. The products are now banned in Canada.
“The safety concern is that blowing the balloons exposes a child to inhaling the vapours of any solvents present,” the statement reads.
The kits, manufactured in China, include a solvent mixture in a tube and a plastic straw for blowing. To create a balloon, children squeeze a small amount of the mixture from the tube onto one end of the straw and blow into the other end to form a bubble.
Health Canada warns that this process exposes children to solvent vapours, which can cause symptoms of “central nervous system depression or dysfunction, including euphoria, hallucinations, dizziness, and difficulties with coordination of voluntary movements.” Prolonged exposure may result in muscular twitching, unconsciousness, or coma.
The following products are included in the recall:
- 15 Pieces Bubble Ball Toy, Burst-Free Plastic Balloon, Colorful Magic Bubble Glue, Perfect Boys and Girls Gift (ASIN B0CXSTMWMQ)
- 2024 New Safe Magic Bubble Glue Toy Blowing Colorful Bubble Ball Plastic Space Balloon Fashion Accessories (ASIN B0C6THCKSB)
- Safe Magic Bubble Glue Toy Blowing Colorful Bubble Ball Plastic Space Balloon (ASIN B0C54V2QQG)
Health Canada urges consumers to stop using the products immediately and dispose of them according to municipal hazardous waste guidelines.
Amazon Canada reported that 127 units of the affected products were sold between November 2023 and November 2024. The products are no longer available for purchase online, and no incidents or injuries have been reported to date.
