The Department of Health and the Customs & Excise Department are investigating a case involving a 12-month-old boy who developed blueness on his lips after playing with stamped-ink toys.

The boy was found to have stamped ink on his face, lips, tongue and hands while playing at home on August 26. He developed blueness on his lips and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital. He was treated and discharged on August 28. His family contacts did not have any symptoms.

He was diagnosed as having methaemoglobinaemia - a blood disease in which the haemoglobin fails to carry the normal amount of oxygen throughout the body, leading to blueness due to a lack of oxygen. Investigations are underway to determine whether the stamped ink is the cause. Samples of the toys have been sent for laboratory testing.

People should store and label potentially hazardous materials properly to avoid unintentional ingestion and contact, especially by children, and strictly follow instructions about using household products, toys and drugs.

To report unsafe toys and children's products, call the Customs hotline, 2545 6182, or write to Customs & Excise Department Consumer Protection & Prosecution Bureau at 11/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road.