Major UK retailers including Tesco, Argos, Marks & Spencer, Primark, Hobbycraft, and Matalan have pulled dozens of children's toys from their shelves over fears they contain asbestos-contaminated sand. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall notice affecting more than 30 products.
Which Toys Are Affected?
The recalled items include children's candle-making kits, stretchy rubber toys, colored sand, monster trucks, and action figures filled with sand. Specific products include HGL Stretchy Sand Monster Truck/Car Toys, HGL Stretchy Sand Pig Toy, Scrunchems Stretchies Sleepy Dino Toy, Texet Bright Start Fluorescent Coloured Craft Sand Pack of 6, Addo Play Limited Out to Impress Creative Candles Kit, and KTL 2pc Balloon Dog Toy.
Health Risks
Exposure to asbestos, even at low levels, poses serious health risks. It can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos has been banned in the UK for decades, making its use and importation illegal. The contaminated sand originates from mines in China, where safety standards are less stringent.
What to Do If You Have Purchased Affected Toys
The OPSS advises consumers to stop using the toys immediately. If the toy is undamaged, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-tape it securely, label it, and store it away from children. If the toy is damaged and the sand is accessible, clean the area with wet cloths to avoid dust, wearing gloves and a mask. Double-bag the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths. Keep children and others away until cleaned. Dispose of the product in general household waste or return to the store for a full refund.
For more information, contact the retailer or visit the OPSS website.
