An urgent recall has been issued for a play sand toy in the UK after asbestos was detected in multiple sets. Over 30 sets sold by Hobbycraft were found to contain the hazardous substance, according to reports from The Guardian.
Retailers Take Action
Major retailers including Tesco, Primark, Matalan, and Marks & Spencer have now recalled the products following the newspaper's revelation of trace asbestos in the sand. Hobbycraft's Giant Box of Crafts was withdrawn from sale in January after a customer discovered asbestos in the sand. Hobbycraft stated that UK authorities had not warned of any risk and that there is no evidence of harm to customers.
Health Risks of Asbestos
Asbestos is dangerous because it breaks down into microscopic, indestructible fibres that, when inhaled, lodge deep in the lungs. These fibres cause severe, long-term inflammation, scarring, and cancer.
Government Response
Kate Dearden, the minister for product safety, expressed shock that toys containing asbestos are being sold. She said: "It is staggering toys are being sold with asbestos. We're taking action with new measures to strengthen consumer protection and clamp down on irresponsible sellers. We work closely with the EU, Trading Standards, and the toy industry to ensure businesses act immediately, and any products which test positive for asbestos are removed from sale and recalled."
Expert Criticism
Laurie Kazan-Allen, of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat, criticised the UK authorities' response, stating: "It took an article in the Guardian to force the UK authorities to engage with the potential threat to public health. The UK recalls since then are a result of individual tests carried out by manufacturers and sellers and not of testing by the UK authorities."
