Health Canada has issued a recall of blue vinyl swim sets because the snorkel piece contains a phthalate that exceeds the allowable limit.
The Aqua Leisure Deluxe 6 Piece Swim Set was sold at Canadian Tire. In addition to the classic J-type snorkel, the set includes a dual lens mask, floating fins, a mesh carry bag and a floating waterproof carry case.
The model number is EK 16-18, and only sets made prior to 2008 are affected. More than 2,900 units of the made-in-China set were sold in Canada from June to December of last year.
Di-isononyl phthalate exceeding the allowable amount was discovered through Health Canada's sampling and evaluation program.
Studies suggest that when soft vinyl products containing certain phthalates are sucked or chewed for extended periods, they could cause reproductive and developmental abnormalities in young children.
Neither Health Canada nor Canadian Tire has received any reports of incidents or illnesses related to the use of the swim sets.
Consumers who have purchased the product can return it to any Canadian Tire store for a refund.
The Canadian Press