Nine and ten year olds? I would have expected this type of behavior from a one or possibly two year old. Darwin award candidates at such an early age.

I've got a 4 year old running around here that plays with them and she doesn't even chew on them. However, after having read this I will be sure that anytime she has it out, it is at a time when I can be giving her full attention. I guess you can never take anything for granted.

It is really odd for them to be that age and chewing on these things.

When I was a kid, I played with toys that were 10x deadlier than plastic darts. Somehow I survived. Probably because I knew not to shove things down my throat. I feel bad that those kids died, but I wouldn't hold that manufacturer responsible for people using toys in ways that were not intended. I'm sure there was already a hundred warning labels on it. Time to add a few more warnings to the packaging that people won't read anyway.

Allen there's a lot of things that people don't like I don't like paying taxes which goes to social programs that I don't use either but I guess that's just a part of being an American I wish we could recall that ..... LOL LOL LOL

Allen - what you have described is more dangerous that sharpened Lawn Darts.

Where were the Corporate Managers and Execs who have a moral and civic responsibility to produce safe toys?

my heart goes out to the families who lost their children. with that said i dont agree that the gun sets should have been recalled. there are caution labels posted on the box. it isnt the company's fault that our children choose to do stupid things like trying to eat things that shouldnt be eaten. all you are doing is punishing the company and depriving the people within the company of being paid. you are punishing them for OUR childrens mistakes. in my eyes that is wrong. If we would teach our children better and keep a closer eye on them... things like this wouldnt happen. my heart goes out to everyone who is effected by this.

Gee, when I was a kid, we used to remove the suction cups from the darts, then heat needles until they melted into the plastic, then shot them at one another. I guess I would go to jail these days.

This is really ridiculous. They had better recall butter knives and forks, marbles, etc.

There should be a recall on carrots, broccoli, anything that can't be sucked through a straw.

Sad about their loss, but these kids were old enough to know not to do that.

And where were the guardians? They didn't supervise them?

My 7 year old would never put something like that in her mouth.

The company should not be found guilty of this. Sounds liek the work of another greedy lawyer.

In any case condolences to the parents. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be.

Allen-968499--

Now that was freaking hilarious!!

---------------------------------------

Now regarding the story, I am sorry the kids died, but they were 9 and 10 years of age. Did they not learn anything when they were younger? *shaking my head* So now the toy gun is recalled. I really hope there is no lawsuit with this.

Maybe these people never thought their 10 year olds would put them in their mouth. Kids do random things and you can't stand over them 24/7. I guess that is why it is just best never to take anything for granted. Even if you think your kid wouldn't do something you just can't ever tell. They're kids.

We used to get the suction cups wet with our saliva to make them stick better, but then we had "Jarts" (the aforementioned lawn darts), "Super Balls" that could knock you unconscious or take teeth out, acrylic balls you knocked together called "clackers" that took out picture windows,Wrist Rockets that could kill, Star Trek "phasers" that shot dime sized plastic projectiles, flammable bubble making goo etc etc, dart guns were the least of our parents worries. Then there was the Johny Seven One Man Army, a toy gun that would get a SWAT team called out on you now.

Where were the Corporate Managers and Execs who have a moral and civic responsibility to produce safe toys?

They were probably at work. What exactly would you consider a safe toy? Kids that managed to kill themselves with plastic darts could probably have figured out a way to die sitting in a bean bag chair. Life is hazardous to your health.

Common man you have uncommon sense in today's world.

What a litigious paranoid society we live in. That worries me more than darts. As tragic as these boys deaths are at 9 and 10 it was out of stupidity that they died not because of the manufactures product.

When I think of all the dumb butt things we did growing up, and yet here we are old and battle worn. I wouldn't trade it for childhood today. I want a recall on old age. Damn but it's dangerous, we could die. Oops, I think the government already has that plan.

They should also recall all cars that adults drive, power tools, and hair dryers because they get alot more than 2 deaths per 1.8 million people. That being said where are the parents and did they teach their kids not to put things in their mouths???

Sorry to be so cold but sounds like the parents and kids are not the sharpest tools in the shed.

I would expect the fatality from sucking on darts to stop at age 6.

I got my first BB gun when I was 8, my first shotgun when I was 10, my first rifle before I turned 16, I have carried a knife every day since I was about 8 years old, I have had dart guns and marbles and never been close to being in danger from any of them.

Most of America is getting so soft it is ridiculous and they expect the authorities to eliminate all chance of injury from their lives and as a result have lost the ability to think for themselves.

2 kids die since the toys were released in 2005, over 1 million dart guns recalled ( more.

Yet drugs are released with much higher risk of known deadly side-effects, and more people have probably choked on peanut butter in the same amount of time, but I doubt that food product is going to be recalled.

Yep, it's the USA alright.

Yeah, this is something I don't quite see as needing a recall. What on earth are these kids doing chewing on these darts.

Do we need to extend the choking hazard warnings to toys that are fit for 10-up?!

I feel terrible for the loss that the parents have experienced, but I dont think a product-recall is necessary unless the product failed in some way during its intended use.

I don't want brands like Nerf to disappear because parents aren't properly supervising their children.

We're talking about nine and ten year olds not toddlers. They should know better. These types of dart guns have been around for decades without being a huge hazzard. These were isolated incidents. More people are injured every day falling down stairs, do we get rid of those too?

I don't know. I'm all for child safety, but even food is a choking hazard. One point eight million sold, and two kids died. Preventable? Sure. Parental responsibility, guidance or observance? Who knows. I think if you purchase a product, of any kind, you assume all risk responsibility. Two incidents involving a 9 and 10 year isn't recall worthy, nor does it indicate a defective product - just defective use.

As others have said, there may yet be more to the story than has been told. But regardless, 2 (not even toddlers) out of 1.8 million sold?!

Mister-Joe

Agreed +1

Perhaps as the story unfolds more, I might change my mind. But from a res ipsa loquitur standpoint, and given the limited information provided in this article I don't see how the product failed its intended use.

The children were misusing it, AND they were old enough to have known better, Wowlfer.

Excactly Mr Joe, a little over reaction I think. I'm all for child safety, but child age guidlines for toys are just that, guidelines. You need to be the judge of what's appropriate for your child and their level of development.

I'm really sad for the families that lost their boys. The awful fact is that children die everyday from tragic accidents. Companies would have to recall every toy ever made to eliminate these freak accidents. Children have to eat, play and do chores every day and unfortunately, bad things can happen as a result. They can recall all the suction darts made, but nearly everyone has suction cups of some kind in their home.

Kind of makes you wonder, I feel bad for those kids but 9&10 what's up with that, not making fun of them.... I can't say that it don't make sense, hell I would probably have done the same-thing as a kid Sh-t I'm an adult and would probably do the same-thing, I guess I never grew up, damn ..... Can't blame the manufacturer it's just human nature to be curious

I would be willing to bet they put the gun into their mouths, and pulled the trigger. Or someone else did it for them. To me it just sounds a lot more plausible than they swallowed them because they were chewing on them. Just a thought.

Patriot:

Interesting point and not out of the realm of thinking (or not) by our risk taking population.

Toddlers, children, teens, and adults chew on everything...pacifiers, plastic straws, finger nails, rubber bands, buttons, beef jerky, coins, shoe strings, pensil erasers, chewing tobacco, buggers and scabs, blotter acid for crying out loud! And to think it all starts with that confounded breast nipple...don't you know moms know when to quit breast feeding.

Patriot-1611069

Quite possible! It doesn't really change much, it just means that the parents needed to be properly supervising their children as they attempted "Nerf Russian Roulette"

Either way, I don't see the need for a recall, but your description seems entirely more plausible than the "chewing" that was sold to us. I could see stupid kids shooting themselves in the mouth with these toys.

I'm wondering if these 2 kids were mentally challenged or severely autistic or something? If they were, the parents shouldn't have let them have toys like this. If they weren't the parents should have taught them not to put non-food objects in their mouth before age 3. This is a bit surprising, if it had been a 2-3 year old that had gotten ahold of an older siblings darts when they shouldn't have, that would make sense, this really doesn't. All you need to do to make it stick better is lick it, not shove the whole thing in your mouth.

Not to mention there are all kinds of products that employ suction cups. What's next from the nanny state?

Agreed

Gone are the days of advocating personal responsiblity

Everybody welcome scapegoats into their lives!

Why blame bad parenting for irresponsible/dangerous children when they watch violent/sexual TV shows and play video games?

Why blame lack of promotions/success in the workplace on incompetance when one can categorize themselves in a protected class and force their way through "barriers" with threat of litigation instead

Why blame being fat/unhealthy on poor life choices and lack of exercise when you might be addicted to food, or have repressed memories?

The list just goes on endlessly. Its a shame that our country can't just re-adopt the attitude that if one person's practices aren't negatively effecting anyone else, just leave them alone.

"They can have my lawn gnomes when they pry them from my cold, dead fingers!"

Hot dogs are the perfect size for putting in one's mouth. It's almost as if someone designed them to be eaten! Oscar Mayer is trying to kill us all!

LMFAO, Joe!! and if anyone tries to take my plastic flamingos, they better be prepared for a fight!!!

Well, highnoon, they might be when you consider what's in a hot dog. Tasty way to die! :D

And marbles are meant to be swallowed, that's why they're smooth and round... right? lol!

Yes, tasty but deadly.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35511567/
I can't believe hot dogs are still sold over the counter.

Good point about the marbles Bizzer. There must be something sinister behind that spherical shape.

;D

Nah, its more insidious than that. These lawyers have tricked the negligent and stupid into thinking that its the equivalent of winning the lottery by being able to sue a corporation! It only makes the lawyers rich!

I remember and still have my set of jarts. They were also recalled. My sister and cousins spent many afternoons playing with those. My kids do not seem to be interested in playing with those. The iPod and xbox has replaced it.

I used to LOVE lawn darts. Of course those are a bit more dangerous but still.. damn they were fun.

In the realm of the nanny state, can anyone explain to me the sheer bravado it must have taken for a company to release food-scented markers?

I can only imagine what that boardroom meeting must have been like!

Bob: Kids these days love sniffing crap! Model glue, sharpies, spray paint, Jenkem. Why are we not tapping into this thriving and under-utilized market? I propose sweeping in and starting our own new line of product!

Andy: Yeah, it will be like menthol cigarettes, but for kids!

*applaus*

Lawn Darts! My brother & I used to TRY to hit each other with them! And when we did, my parents didn't call a lawyer, they spanked us!

My brother and I used to take our jarts, stand on opposite sides of the house, and throw them over the roof of the house, not directly at each other, but in each other's general direction, we could watch the jart come over the house at a height of about 30-40 feet and land, pick it up, and throw it back. Sometimes you didn't know where it landed until afterward, especially if it was silouetted by the sun. I don't know how it is that either of us lived.

Be honest, think about it, you would probably do the same thing today, I know I would .... LOL LOL LOL

Most parents are too lazy to pay any attention to their kids-and this story proves it.

more people have choke to death eating chicken, should we recall chicken?

I'm a parent who watches my kids and I have thought them not to put things in their mouths that don't belong there. You are way off base, maybe you should after the parents of the kids instead. And at 9 and 10 years old, what age do you cut the apron strings on how play with toys ????? By your way of thinking maybe if they would tie the kids up and throw them in a padded room. They would be alive, of course, but what kind of a life would they have ???? I have a swimming pool and had my two sons take swimming lessons when they were two, both joined a swim team when they were six, at 10 my oldest was a Junior Olympic class swimmer. Of course, if I was to lose my son in a swimming accident or by swallowing a set of nose clips I would really sad, but you wouldn't hear me crying that they should have a recall on nose clips and closing the swimming pools. I am really sad for the loss of these kids and the grief their parents are going through but this is truly a classic example of Darwinism.

This is natures way of weeding out the dumb ones!

When I was 9 y.o. I could drive a car on the farm,milk cows, get a diesel tractor started that had run out of fuel (bleeding it).

Kids are so dumb now.

craig, I'm impressed you could drive a car on the farm when you were 9. I bet no one else has ever done that before, especially on a farm where the worse thing you might run into is a rooster.

They need to add a down arrow for comments like 12.2.

give a hand...

Yeah, Craig is proven to be smarter- and at least he did not suck on a dart and die, but rather did something that kids don't do nowadays- work.

Why knock him but ask how those kids could have been so bored, undisciplined, that they could be stupid and suck on a dart tip and die? I do not wish to have all the kids bubble wrapped because Bevis and Butthead did something stupid.

It is called taking responsibility for your kids and your own actions. Can't recall all the toys because one or two kids are not using them safely.

They need to add a down arrow for comments like 12.0

Wowlfer,

I hope you don't have kids. You are doing a diservice to society if you breed. Your kids will grow up wimpy and unable to think for themselves. Cut the umbilical cord already. You can't be there every second of every day.

Agreed.

"Oh my. What did parents do before they had the government to raise their kids for them?"

Parents paid attention to their children-which is something they haven't done in decades.

Humm, just a case of bad aim?

Scarry thought is these kids will be the ones running the show when they get older. Hopefully the next generation of parents wise up. Dr. Spock, the so called expert on raising children for many years, had his own son commit suicide. I don't think I would want parenting tips from him.

They already have those rules, but attorneys and judges enforce em.

yeah and that's the problem...rules set by Judges and Lawyers

When I first clicked on this article, I thought: "Oh, good, they're nipping a problem in the bud. Probably some design flaw and they don't want to wait too long." Wasn't sure what that problem could be, but thought I should find out......... Then I read it and saw what really happened........... I've known 3 year-olds who know better!

In addition to NJRichie's idea: if the lawsuit is deemed frivolous, the plaintiffs/lawyers have to pay the defendant some percentage of the originally asked for damages. Frivolously sue for $10 million? You have to pay..... $5 million. (Just an example) Might be a bit extreme and impractical, but who wouldn't love to see some coffee spilling twit and his/her lawyer being fined several million? On top of paying the defendant's court fees! I think 1 case would be all that's needed.

Love your comment, Eric. I have sons in their 40's and they say the same thing. When they tell me about the stupid stunts they pulled as youngsters, I wonder if they were raised by me and their dad or a couple of grunting cavemen.

I ask the same two questions..... If I had to answer #2, I'd say we'd be multi-bazillionaires.....

You need a quality spelling book. Slap the parents for not teaching children what doesn't go in mouth. Today children are obviously more stupid than we were; as I didn't have to wear helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and gloves when I rode my bike down a hill on asphalt and loose gravel. Turned those handlebars down, took off the chain guard and fenders and lost some skin. Big deal. Protecting these kids scares me. They will run the military some day.

Protecting these kids scares me. They will run the military some day.

True story there.