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

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Animal Tracking Explorer Kit

Units: About 2,200

Importer: MindWare, of Roseville, Minn.

Hazard: 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.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: 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.

Sold at: The firm's Web site, www.MindWareOnline.com, and by MindWare's catalog from September 2007 through December 2007 for about $25

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: 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.

Consumer Contact: 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