Pacific Science Supplies Recalls Magnets Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Home product recall 08-345. Announced by CPSC on Jul 24, 2008.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Jul 24, 2008. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 40,000 units, as CPSC gives them
- None injuries, CPSC’s notice says
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
The paint on the magnets can contain excess levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled magnets and contact the firm to receive a free replacement.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: For additional information, contact Pacific Science Supplies Inc. at (800) 530-1500 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.pacsciusa.com
Which ones are recalled?
Magnets included in the recall: - “Large” and “Small” U-shaped Magnets: These magnets are in the shape of a “U” or horseshoe. One half of each magnet is painted red and is imprinted with the letter “N”; the other half is painted blue, and is imprinted with the letter “S”. - “Large” and “Miniature” Bar Magnets: These magnets are in the shape of a bar. The magnets are painted half red and half white. The red half is imprinted with the letter “N” and the white half is imprinted with the letter “S”. - Magnet Sets: This set contains a small u-shaped magnet, two small bar magnets, and two small compasses. All magnets are painted half red and half white. The red half is imprinted with the letter “N” and the white half is imprinted with the letter “S”. The package is labeled “Magnets & Compasses.” - Magnet Needle Sets: This set contains 10 sets of small cone-shape bases and elongated-diamond-shaped magnets, which can be fastened into the bases. The magnets are painted half red and half white.
About 40,000 units, as CPSC gives them.
U-shaped Magnets, Bar Magnets, Magnet Sets and Magnet Needle Sets.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 4 photos on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Imported by Pacific Science Supplies Inc., Bensenville, Ill.
- Distributors nationwide, which sell to educational institutions, including colleges, high schools and middle schools. A small number were sold through educational stores nationwide from April 2000 through February 2008 for about $9.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
None reported.
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.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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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.
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.