Parents should be aware that squishy toys sold in multiple locations around the country have been recalled due to the possible presence of asbestos.
According to the CCPC, the sand in the squishy toys may ‘present a risk to health’ as the sand may contain asbestos.
Asbestos is a banned substance across the EU as it poses a risk to health. The CCPC says that ‘HSE Public Health advice’ says there ‘is low risk to human health from these sand products based on current information’.
However if you have these items at home you are still urged to keep them out of reach of children and dispose of them.
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The toys included in the recall are:
- 17cm Jumbo Mr Splat Stretch Man – product number: 549230
- Squishy Sausage Dog – product number: 549303
- 5.6cm Squishy Puppies – product number: 549255
- 6.5cm Wishing Bottle – product number: 779023
- 9cm Squishy Sand Yeti Monster – product: 549247
They were sold via the following retailers:
- Now Newsagents Ltd, T/A Cards N Things
- Stellar Retail Ltd, T/A uPARTY
- Bobby’s Fishing Tackle
What to do if you have product affected by recall
The CCPC has outlined what parents should do if they have any of these items at home.
If the sand is still packaged, you should place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, seal it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of reach of children.
You can contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal.
If the product is punctured and the sand inside is accessible, you should clean the sites where it was with wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a protective mask and then double-bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths, but do not use a vacuum cleaner. You should seal it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of reach of children.
The CCPC adds that you should ‘keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned’.
You can view a list of sites where you can dispose of products that may be affected here.
The CCPC are continuing to liaise with the HSE, EPA and HSA, as required and further updates will be provided as soon as any more information becomes available.
For more information about the recall you can contact productrecall@pmsinternational.com.
