Two further children's toys have been urgently recalled in the UK over fears they contain asbestos, a banned substance harmful even at low exposure levels. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued new recall notices for the SHEIN Children's Wooden Acrylic Rainbow Sensory Blocks and the YongnKids Theme Scene Sandbox Toy Kit sold via Amazon.
Both products pose a health risk because the sand inside them may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. SHEIN has recalled the toys, while Amazon has removed the listing from its website.
SHEIN sensory blocks recalled
The affected SHEIN product is named Children's Wooden Acrylic Rainbow Sensory Blocks, Geometric Shape Puzzle Blocks, Colourful Sensory Grasping & Building Creative Focus Training Game Toy, Suitable For Boys & Girls Early Education Toy, Children's Day Gift, Birthday Gift. Its SKC is sk26062823339701832428.
The OPSS said: "The product presents a risk to health as the sand inside the sand-filled blocks may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure." The products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
SHEIN has recalled the products, and affected customers have been told to contact the company directly. SHEIN said: "We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience and will process a refund of the product by the same payment method used for the purchase. The return of the product is not necessary. If you have any questions, please contact us at ukcsteam@shein.com. The quality and safety of our products are our priority for our customers."
Amazon sandbox kit affected
The YongnKids Theme Scene Sandbox Toy Kit, sold on Amazon, has also been recalled. Its Amazon ASIN is BODPQ5M3P3 and its Amazon Barcode is X0026TZ9ZR.
The local authority is recalling the toys from customers, and Amazon has removed the listing. The OPSS explained: "The import has been rejected at the border, and the listing has been removed by the online marketplace (Amazon). We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children."
How to dispose of the toys
Anyone with the affected toys must stop using them immediately and dispose of them correctly. If the sand is still in the packaging, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-tape it, label it, and store it out of reach of children.
If the sand has been used, clean up sites where it was used with wet cloths. Wear gloves and a mask before double-bagging the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths. Keep children and others away from areas where sand has been used until the sand has been cleaned.
Return the product to the store where specified by the retailer for a full refund. If you are unable to return the product, or it was purchased on an online marketplace, follow the steps and contact your local authority for guidance on safe disposal of asbestos in your area. For further information, contact the retailer or visit the GOV.UK page on asbestos in consumer products.
