Netlore Archive: Forwarded emails and Internet postings warn that a popular children's toy called Aqua Dots ('Bindeez' in Australia) are made with a substance that breaks down into the 'date rape' drug GHB.
Description: Email alert / Internet posting
Circulating since: October 2007
Status: True
Variant #1:
Email example contributed by an AOL user, 7 November 2007:
Subject: Aqua Dots
There was a very, very dangerous recall announced on the ABC evening news tonight. Aqua Dots are a craft product. It didn't tell me whether you made necklaces, etc. out of the beads or that they have some other purpose. At any rate, I know the girls like this sort of thing. If they have this, TAKE IT AWAY FROM THEM IMMEDIATELY. It seems the Chinese changed the glue they were using to make them to something that when wet breaks down into the chemical used in the date rape drug. Several children have died, and two are currently in comas.
The news showed the box. If you want a description, I'll look back at the tape for you. It appeared to be a fairly large box, relatively flat, about like a bead box I gave one of the girls for Christmas sometime ago. This sounded really scary!
Variant #2:
Example contributed by a MySpace user, 8 November 2007:
Subject: please call toy recallBody: To everyone,
There is a recall on a toy called AQUA DOTS OR BINDEEZ.... It's inhanced with the Date-Rape drug...
If anyone has bought the toy between the months of April-November return it A.S.A.P....
PLEASE BE CAREFULL AND HAVE SAFE HOLIDAYS...
Comments: In progress. See news links below...
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Sources and further reading:
Aqua Dots Recall
About.com: Pediatrics, 7 November 2007Spin Master Recalls Aqua Dots - Children Became Unconscious After Swallowing Beads
Press release, U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, 7 November 2007Recalled Toys Contain Chemical that Converts to 'Date Rape' Drug
Associated Press, 7 November 2007Arkansas Toddler Hospitalized from Aqua Dots
Associated Press, 8 November 2007
Last updated: 11/08/07
