Five children's toys on sale in Britain have been found to contain asbestos in a Guardian investigation, raising fresh concerns about the UK's safety regime and regulatory gaps with other European countries. Asbestos fibres are illegal to sell in the UK due to the risk of cancer and respiratory problems if inhaled.
The affected products include Fun Sand and Sand Art Bottle by HTI Group sold via Curious Minds; Glitter & Glow Magical Sand Art by KandyToys available on Glowtopia; and three Amazon items: Sand Filled Weirdo, Wordpad Montessori Sand Tray, and 4 Pack Stretchy Gorilla Toy. Amazon has removed the Weirdo and sand tray, while Curious Minds issued a recall and refunds within an hour of being notified.
Scientists at Brunel University's experimental techniques centre analysed six toys similar to those recalled in the Netherlands, finding asbestos in five. Lead scientific officer Ashley Howkins said: “Although the risk to health is small because the quantities of asbestos are small, there is still a risk. The younger the child exposed the more chance they have of developing symptoms.”
The findings expose a disjointed post-Brexit safety system where toys recalled in some EU countries remain for sale in the UK. The European Commission's Safety Gate website publishes only partial recall lists. Richard Clevers of Dutch news platform Algemeen Dagblad said: “Product warnings are piling up but differ from country to country and the European system intended to provide an overview is failing consumers.”
Retailers have criticised the UK's self-reporting system. Wendy Hamilton, owner of Curious Minds, said: “There is no requirement for independent verification before products reach the market. It's concerning that no alert was issued to UK retailers when similar products were recalled in the Netherlands.” Customers are advised to pack contaminated products in sealed double bags and seek council advice on disposal.
