Shein and Amazon-listed children's sand toys recalled over possible asbestos

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published a recall notice for Shein's Children's Wooden Acrylic Rainbow Sensory Blocks, because the sand inside the sand-filled blocks may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos. 1 2 The Daily Mirror reports a second OPSS notice, for the YongnKids Theme Scene Sandbox Toy Kit sold via Amazon; the OPSS said the import was rejected at the border and Amazon removed the listing. The Daily Mail's report covers only the Shein product. 1 2 The OPSS said asbestos is banned because it poses a health risk even at low levels of exposure, and that the products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011. 1 2

The OPSS recommends owners stop using the products immediately and keep them out of children's reach. 1 2 Shein has recalled the blocks, apologised and offered a refund by the original payment method; the Mirror quotes it saying return of the product is not necessary, and both articles give the product code sk26062823339701832428 and a Shein customer-service email address. 1 2 Disposal advice is similar in both: double-bag the product in heavy-duty plastic, keep it away from children, clean affected areas with wet cloths while wearing protective gear, and contact the local authority about safe asbestos disposal. 1 2

The Mirror says many children's toys have been recalled this year over asbestos fears and these are the latest; the Mail adds background on asbestos, citing Health and Safety Executive figures of about 5,000 deaths a year, which some campaigners think is closer to 20,000, and promotes its own campaign for a 40-year phased removal from public buildings. 1 2