Two distinct children's sand kits have been found to contain asbestos, triggering recalls and raising significant consumer safety concerns. The contaminated products, identified by consumer group 'Which?', were available for purchase on major online marketplaces including Amazon Marketplace, eBay, and TikTok Shop, with one also being sold at Asda.
One kit, marketed as a 'Montessori sand art tray' for 'hands-on learning', was found on Amazon Marketplace and TikTok Shop. The second, identified as the 'GL Style Sand Bottle Art Heart or Stars' set under the brand RMS International Limited, was purchased from Asda. This latter product was also discovered being sold by several private sellers on eBay.
The specific type of asbestos identified is tremolite asbestos, a known carcinogen that can cause severe lung diseases upon inhalation, even at low exposure levels. The presence of asbestos in products intended for children is particularly alarming, given the potential for direct contact and the substance's severe health implications.
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The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued recall notices for these items. TikTok has stated that the identified product had already been removed from their platform. This investigation is part of a broader trend, with over 39 recall notices issued since November for asbestos-contaminated sand products, impacting a range of items from craft kits to toys and even doorstops.
The discovery has broader implications, contributing to a context where asbestos-contaminated sand products have previously led to the closure of public spaces like schools and parks, notably in North East England. The UK strictly prohibits the sale of products containing asbestos in any quantity.
