Buckyballs Magnets Have Been Banned by the Feds (Updated)S  The
Consumer Product Safety Commission has just banned the sale of
Buckyballs, those magic magnets that can be shaped any which
way, because the balls are a serious health hazard for children.
It's the first stop-sale order by the CPSC in 11 years.  Update:
The CPSC contacted us saying that the CPSC is "actually suing
the firm to stop sale and to issue a recall of the product."
Which means, Buckyballs isn't banned quite yet. However, the
CPSC is still moving forward with a lawsuit that is seeking a
stop-sale of Buckyballs (its first stop-sale in 11 years).
Retailers like Amazon, Urban Outfitters and Brookstone have
already agreed to stop selling Buckyballs (and similar products)
and the CSPC has ordered distributor Maxfield and Oberton
Holdings of New York to halt sales and issue refunds for the
rare earth magnets. The CSPC said that Buckyballs are a
"substantial product hazard" and are concerned by the injuries
it causes to kids who swallow them: