Hearth Record

Children’s Animal Tracking Explorer Kit Recalled by MindWare; Contains Chemical That Irritates Skin and Eyes

Kids’ product recall 08-298. Announced by CPSC on Jun 5, 2008.

CPSC’s own notice, on cpsc.gov

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The short answer

Announced by CPSC on Jun 5, 2008. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.

Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.

What’s wrong with it?

The powder in the kit marked “plaster of paris” is actually calcium hydroxide, which poses a risk of skin and eye irritation to children using the product.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What should you do?

Consumers should immediately take the recalled explorer kit away from children and contact MindWare to receive either a free replacement product or for a full refund.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

  • How to reach the firm: For additional information, contact MindWare at (800) 588-1072 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT, or email the firm at custserv@mindware.com

Which ones are recalled?

The recalled “Animal Tracking Explorer Kit” includes a bag of white powder marked “plaster of paris” which is actually calcium hydroxide. It also includes nature study tools and equipment (field lens, specimen jars and bags, labels, puff bottle, plastic gloves, spatula, cardboard strips, paper clips, mixing pot, tweezers, spoon, notebook) and Explorer Guide.

About 2,200 units, as CPSC gives them.

Animal Tracking Explorer Kit.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

CPSC’s photos

CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.

Who made and sold it?

  • Imported by MindWare, Roseville, Minn.
  • The firm’s Web site, www.MindWareOnline.com, and by MindWare’s catalog from September 2007 through December 2007 for about $25.
  • Made in China, as the notice gives it.
Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

Was anyone hurt?

None reported.

Source:

CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.

What the record doesn’t say

  • The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
  • The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
  • How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Source:

Hearth Record wrote these lines.

Sources

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.

    Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.

Source:

Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.

How to read a record

Four things every record does, shown on an example record made up for this guide.

An example record, made up for this guide

An example nursing home

Made up for this guide: no real place is shown

Not fully inspected in over two years (CMS flag)

11 health citations at the latest inspection cycle

The state average is 14.3.

Source:

CMS, State and US Averages and Health Deficiencies. Released Oct 8, 2026. Updated monthly.

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