A number of consumer products containing sand, mainly children’s toys, have been found to contain asbestos-contaminated sand. Product recalls have been issued and organisations that may have purchased, sold, received or stored affected items should take action.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has confirmed that affected products have been recalled by the businesses that sold them. Any further products found to contain asbestos-contaminated sand should also be recalled. The latest OPSS guidance was updated on 19 June 2026.
Who may be affected?
Education, childcare and leisure settings
Schools, nurseries, childcare providers, leisure venues and similar organisations should check whether they have purchased or received any affected products. They should also be aware that products may be brought in from home and accidentally spilled.
Retailers and charity shops
Retailers that have sold affected products may be expected to participate in the recall process. This includes charity shops that may have received affected products through donations.
Private individuals
Anyone who has purchased an affected product for their household or as a gift should follow the recall instructions issued by the relevant retailer.
Why this is important
Asbestos can present a serious health risk if fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Where contaminated sand has been spilled or exposed, it is important that the material is not disturbed in a way that creates dust.
OPSS advises consumers to stop using affected products immediately and follow the relevant recall notice. Where sand has been spilled, areas should be cleaned using damp cloths to minimise dust, following the advice provided by OPSS.
What organisations should do
Check for affected products
Review products containing sand, particularly children’s toys, craft kits and play items, against the OPSS Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls database. Search for “asbestos” to find the affected products.
Prevent further use
If an affected product is identified, remove it from use immediately and keep it away from children, staff, residents, visitors and members of the public.
Manage spillages safely
Any spillages should be managed carefully to avoid generating dust. Do not sweep, vacuum or unnecessarily disturb the material. Seek appropriate advice before cleaning or disposing of contaminated material.
Follow recall and disposal guidance
Seek advice from your waste management contractor regarding the packaging, storage, collection and disposal of recalled products. Advice on packaging and transport may also be required from a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor.
How PIB Risk Management can help
PIB Risk Management can support organisations by providing guidance on the safe management of contaminated items and recalled goods. We can help clients understand the recall process, review their current arrangements and advise on appropriate next steps where affected products or spillages are identified.
We can also provide general advice on the safe management of asbestos-containing materials, helping organisations protect staff, pupils, residents, visitors and members of the public.
If your organisation has purchased, sold, received or stored products containing sand, it is important to check the latest recall information and act promptly if affected items are identified. Taking the right steps now can help prevent unnecessary exposure, support safe disposal and ensure recall procedures are followed correctly.
