Buckyballs first came under serious attack in July 2012, when the CPSC filed a stop-sale order against manufacturer Maxfield & Oberton Holdings LLC, stating that the products "contain a defect in the design, packaging, warnings, and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury to the public." The CPSC stated that it has received 54 reports of children and teenagers ingesting the products, which can result in blood poisoning, sepsis and possibly death. Of those reported, 53 incidents required medical attention, although none were fatal.
Kyle A. Richardson is the editorial director of Promo Marketing. He joined the company in 2006 brings more than a decade of publishing, marketing and media experience to the magazine. If you see him, buy him a drink.