Dozens of children’s toys have been recalled after growing concern they may contain toxic asbestos sand.
More than 30 toys have been pulled from shelves after it was discovered they may contain sand China contaminated with asbestos.
Stores like M&S, TESKON, Primark, ArgosHobbycraft and Matalan have stopped selling the toys, according to a recall notice from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
Affected items include children’s candle making kits, rubber bouncy toys, colored and monster sand trucks and sand-filled action figures.
Exposure to asbestos, even at low levels, poses a risk to health. At worst, it can cause cancer in the lungs known as mesothelioma.
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Asbestos has been banned in the UK for decades, making its use and importation illegal.
The sand in the toys originates from mining in China, where safety standards are less stringent than in the UK.
The advocate told people to stop using the toys immediately.
Here are some of the affected products that have been recalled due to a health risk.
- HGL Sand Monster Truck/Car Toys
- HGL Expandable Sand Pig Toy
- Scrunchems Stretchies Sleepy Dino Toy
- Textet Bright Start fluorescent colored craft sand pack of 6
- Addo Play Limited Out to impress the creative candle set
- KTL 2pc Balloon Dog Toy
You can check the articles on the OPSS website here.
Advice if you have bought contaminated toys
Here’s advice from the product watchdog on what to do if you bought any of the affected toys and how to get a refund.
- Stop using it immediately
- If the toy is undamaged, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, tape it securely, label it, and store it in a safe place away from children.
- If it is damaged and the sand inside is accessible, the places where the product has been used using damp cloths to avoid the creation of dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double layer sand, gloves, mask and used cloths
- Keep children and other people away from areas where sand has been used until the area has been cleaned
- Dispose of the product in your general household waste or return it to the store specified by the seller, who will provide a full refund
- For more information, you can contact the seller from whom you purchased the toy
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