Toy darts recalled

WASHINGTON – The asphyxiation deaths of two boys prompted the government Monday to announce the recall of 1.8 million toy dart gun sets.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said a 9-year-old boy in Chicago and a 10-year-old boy in Milwaukee died after they chewed on the one-inch, soft-plastic darts, which slipped into their throats. The small suction cup part of the dart cut off their breathing.

The “Auto Fire” toy dart set was sold at Family Dollar stores from September 2005 through January 2009 for about $1.50.

The agency advises people to immediately take the dart gun sets from children and discard them. Family Dollar will offer a refund.