Dozens of children’s toys have been recalled after growing concern that they could contain toxic asbestos sand.
More than 30 toys have been pulled from shelves after it emerged that they might contain sand from China contaminated with asbestos.
Shops like M&S, Tesco, Primark, Argos, Hobbycraft and Matalan have stopped selling the toys, according to the recall notice by the watchdog Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).
The affected items include children’s candle-making sets, stretchy rubber toys, colored sand and monster trucks and action figures filled with sand.
Exposure to asbestos, even at low levels, poses a risk to health. At its 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 mines in China, where safety standards are less stringent than in the UK.
The watchdog told people to stop using the toys immediately.
Here are some of the affected products which have been withdrawn because of a health risk.
- HGL Stretchy Sand Monster Truck/Car Toys
- HGL Stretchy Sand Pig Toy
- Scrunchems Stretchies Sleepy Dino Toy
- Texet Bright Start Fluorescent colored Craft Sand Pack of 6
- Addo Play Limited Out to Impress Creative Candles Kit
- KTL 2pc Balloon Dog Toy
You can check items on the OPSS website here.
Advice if you have bought contaminated toys
Here is advice from the product watchdog on what to do if you have bought any of the affected toys and how to get a refund.
- Stop using it immediately
- If the toy is undamaged, put it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it and store in a secure location away from children
- If it is damaged and the sand inside is accessible, sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double-bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths used
- Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned
- Dispose of the product in your general household waste, or return to the store where specified by the retailer, who will provide a full refund
- For more information, you can contact the retailer you bought the toy from
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