Why were Buckyballs banned by the government?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the banning of Buckyballs, a type of magnetic toy, by the government. Participants explore the implications of this ban, the safety concerns surrounding the product, and the broader context of product safety regulations, particularly regarding toys and choking hazards.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the ban, questioning what is wrong with C60 and the nature of Buckyballs as a magnetic toy.
  • Several participants highlight safety concerns, noting incidents where children have swallowed the magnets, leading to serious injuries.
  • There is a suggestion that the product is not marketed as a children's toy, raising questions about responsibility and product labeling.
  • Some participants argue that the dangers posed by Buckyballs are not typical of toys, as magnetism is generally not perceived as hazardous.
  • Others mention that similar choking hazards exist with common foods and items, suggesting that the focus on Buckyballs may be misplaced.
  • A few participants engage in humorous banter about the absurdity of banning everyday items and the implications of such regulations.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential for other products to be banned due to safety fears, reflecting a broader anxiety about consumer safety regulations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus. There are multiple competing views regarding the safety of Buckyballs, the appropriateness of the ban, and the implications for consumer products in general.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific incidents involving injuries from Buckyballs, but the discussion does not resolve the underlying assumptions about product safety and consumer responsibility. The debate includes various perspectives on the nature of risk associated with toys and household items.

  • #91
Danger said:
Quiet, you! This is no place for logic.

Darn! Why didn't someone tell me earlier? :redface:

This thread shows me why politics takes years (I'll revisit this thread after a couple of years when a consensus is reached)! It has also showed me why I decided not to go into politics. :biggrin:
 
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  • #92
DaveC426913 said:
It is disingenuous of you to cherry pick parts of my argument, eliminate them, then substitute your own words. It is also an indication that you have no better argument than to put words in my mouth.

I was trying to have an intelligent discussion and encourage people see an alternate point of view than the self-reinforcing one they usually stick with. But I'm not up for schoolyard arguing tactics.

:raspberry:
I am specifically responding to your post.

DaveC426913 said:
And I do believe that, as a part of society, we are supposed to come together to help each other from harm.

In the marine world there's a saying: When an accident happens, it's everyone's fault.

So stop the schoolyard tactics dave, you been warned before about your inability to stop the "devil's advocate" nonsense. Arguing just for the sake of arguing. Stop it.
 
  • #93
DaveC426913 said:
It was an attempt at levity, to prevent the thread from going sour.
The thread is being looked at by the mentors now.
 

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