Global Challenges, National Responses
At the end of 2019, I remember expressing concern to my nephew about his plans to take a cruise in the coming weeks. As normal, he rebuffed the comments of an elderly aunt with assurances that everything would be fine. Fortunately, he was right – he had a wonderful cruise and returned home safe and sound. Boy, was he lucky!
Of course, life in the UK in those tumultuous weeks – under the fractured and chaotic “leadership” of Boris Johnson’s government – was a bit like living in cloud cuckoo land. After all, Beijing was 5,000+ miles from London and few of us had ever heard of Wuhan, pangolins or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Covid-19).
The New Year brought with it news of two Covid cases in Rome, a mere 1,165 miles from London. Although my husband and I were starting to make contingency plans, alas the UK government was promising business as usual… We all paid the price for that neglect: 232,112 recorded deaths and over a million people suffering from long Covid. Sad, yes, tragic even but what could this possibly have to do with this website’s focus on asbestos? Be patient – all will be revealed.
In November 2025, news began circulating about asbestos contamination of children’s playsets imported to Australia and New Zealand from China. Every day seemed to bring news of more discoveries and more school closures.1 As concurrent recalls were issued by Canberra and Wellington,2 in Britain the sale of products withdrawn in those jurisdictions and others which were also contaminated continued at retail and online outlets.
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Attempts to raise the alarm with the UK authorities, politicians and journalists proved fruitless. In its November 20 commentary on the situation, the British Occupational Hygiene Society wrote:
“There is genuine and understandable concern about this popular play product creating any risk to children and those who care for them. We are in close contact with those running testing of products in our sister organization FAAMANZ and checking the UK market.”3
Ian Lavery, the MP for Blyth and Ashington, was the only politician to publicly confront the government on this issue. The identical answers provided by Kate Dearden, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Business and Trade, on December 17, 2025 to three different questions submitted by Ian Lavery on December 8 were as dismissive as they were vacuous:
“UK regulators are in touch with counterparts in Australia regarding reports of chemical concerns related to rainbow-coloured sand products. There is no evidence these products are available on the UK market. Our product safety regulations require businesses to only place safe consumer products on the market, including toys or products aimed at children. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), in my Department, and Local Authority Trading Standards enforce the regulations, and have powers to remove products from sale and prevent imports where unsafe items are identified. The Government does not collect data on sales of individual products.”4
 Situation as of mid-January, 2026. Graphic courtesy of Ben Alford, Auckland, New Zealand. |
Unlike the information vacuum in Britain, people in China – the country which manufactured and exported the asbestos-tainted products – were made aware of the situation by a November 18, 2025 publication: Analysis of major public safety and health incidents related to asbestos toy sand in Australia and warnings to Chinese parents.5 The entire contents of the lengthy and timely article are well worth reading as are the conclusions, some of which are reproduced below:
“In the future, preventing such incidents will require concerted efforts from all parties. Governments should strengthen oversight and improve standards; businesses should enhance their social responsibility and ensure product safety; and consumers should be more vigilant and choose safe and reliable products. Only through collaborative efforts can we create a truly safe and healthy environment for children to grow up in.
The recent asbestos sand incident in Australia serves as both a warning and an opportunity. It reminds us that product safety knows no borders, and regulatory loopholes in any country can lead to global risks. By strengthening international cooperation, sharing safety information, and harmonizing standards, humanity can collectively build a safer and more reliable product safety network, protecting children’s health and giving parents greater peace of mind.”6
On January 24, 2026 the proverbial excrement finally hit the fan with an article in the Guardian headlined: Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK.7 Journalist Anna Tims explained that “bottles of children’s play sand” had been withdrawn from sale by Hobbycraft – the UK’s largest arts & crafts retailer – after a concerned parent had informed them that laboratory tests confirmed asbestos contamination in samples of yellow, green and pink sand contained in Hobbycraft’s Giant Box of Craft arts kit.
The information in the Tims article was replicated in national and local newspapers, including the Independent, the Scotsman, Birmingham Live, the Mail Online and Wales Online in the days which followed. A steady stream of articles revealing further discoveries, detailing new recalls and offering advice from consumer advocates and technical experts was to follow.8
The initial action taken by Hobbycraft, the company named in the Guardian’s January 24th article, was to withdraw the Hobbycraft Giant Box of Craft arts kit from sale; no recall was issued. After the company’s own tests confirmed the presence of asbestos, the product was recalled.9 Some companies followed Hobbycraft’s example. Meanwhile, back in Westminster, a U-turn in government policy was on the cards in the aftermath of the massive press coverage which followed the Guardian exposé. As of February 27, 2026, a word search for “asbestos play sand” on the GOV.UK website revealed that 11 products had been subject to recalls by the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS).10
Coincidentally it was also February 27 that I was contacted by a concerned grandmother (Mrs. D) from Dorset who had been distressed when a Christmas present she had bought her grandchild had been recalled by Hobbycraft. Fortunately, he had not used it but the problem remained about how she was to dispose of it. According to a government website she consulted, the advice was to double wrap it and dump it into household waste.11 Perplexed by this rather casual approach, she raised the matter with Dorset Council Waste Services and was advised to take the item to the “nearest asbestos center to be disposed of in a controlled way.”12
Spending a couple of hours recently looking at advice from retailers, federal and state governments and sundry regulatory agencies in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, I came across four basic approaches to the problem which boiled down to:
- Securely wrap the product recalled and dispose of it as household waste.13
- Securely wrap the product recalled and return it to the retailer.14
- Securely wrap the product recalled and contact your local authority for disposal advice.15
- Securely wrap the product recalled and either call a licensed asbestos removalist for advice on safe disposal or dispose of it at a regulated landfill authorized to accept asbestos waste.16
Some clarity was achieved on February 27, 2026 when the UK’s Environment Agency issued Regulatory Position Statement 367 (RPS 367) Storing and de-packaging recalled products containing asbestos.17 Days later the government published new technical guidelines entitled Testing for asbestos in sand. They were subtitled: “A technical advisory note for businesses and industry on testing for asbestos in consumer products containing sand such as toys, hobby and decorative products.”18 Whilst this advice was welcome, other measures were urgently needed to protect the public, shop workers, rubbish collectors etc. from potential hazardous exposures. The risk to personnel at shops accepting recalled products was clearly signposted by Dutch trade union official Daniëlle Wiek over a fortnight ago:
“It’s unacceptable that companies that sold asbestos-containing play sand are now passing the buck to their employees by allowing them to accept returned products without specific instructions or protection… Shop employees aren't trained to handle asbestos. That's specialized work.”19
As the need to take action was finally being accepted in London, things were moving apace in other jurisdictions:
- February 6: Childcare Industry Association (CIA) issued warning to childcare facilities over suspected asbestos contamination of play sand products and advised them to stop using suspect material in the Netherlands;
- February 17: voluntary recall of sand play sets in the Netherlands;
- February 19: voluntary recall of books with sand elements in Japan;
- February 19: iconic department store issued recall of play sand sets in the Netherlands;
- February 20: trade union official highlighted the risk to shopworkers and State Secretary Judith Tielen advised parents to keep suspect products away from children in the Netherlands;
- February 23: voluntary recall of several children’s figurines sold in various stores issued in France;
- February 26: government authorities announced withdrawal from sale of stretchable rubber dolls sold under the trade name “Pufferz” in Germany;
- February 26: government department suspended the sale of all sand-based children’s products in France;
- February 27: HTI Toys issued a national recall for Stretcherz Toys in Ireland;
- February 27: government suspends sale of sand-based toys in France.20
 Situation as of late February, 2026. Graphic courtesy of Ben Alford, Auckland, New Zealand. |
Concluding Thoughts
It is astonishing to think that all of the upheaval, distress, expense and concern was kicked off by a routine staff training exercise in an Australian laboratory.21 Despite all the media coverage of the furore in Australia and New Zealand, it took an article in The Guardian – spurred by the findings from research commissioned by a concerned parent – to force the UK authorities to engage with the potential threat to public health. As we have seen in the UK by the stream of official product recalls, it wasn’t just one toy or one play set that was contaminated; I have no doubt that there are more unwelcome discoveries to be made if someone were willing to do the research.
Whilst articles about the contamination have been published in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France, Germany and China, elsewhere there is just silence. When I alerted a friend in Scandinavia about the UK recall of Stretcherz toys, she told me that her son’s favorite toy was a Stretcherz shark. When she called the local toy store about returning it, they admitted that they knew about the UK recall and would be willing to have the toy returned. An email sent to a newspaper in her locale, elicited no response.
It should not be up to private individuals to do the work of government agencies and departments. After a few days, Mrs. D from Dorset emailed me once again to report back on her progress or lack thereof:
“I spoke to the Dorset Village Halls co-ordinator today – he’s the only person that has been clearly resistant to genuine awareness raising. He says he's not on the same page and that no one should be concerned as these toys don't contain the type of asbestos that is harmful. I said that as the toys are being recalled and Dorset Council Waste partnership is taking this issue seriously and requesting that items be disposed of in a controlled way, this was the reason I contacted him.
I had hoped that the staff at the Village Halls would be willing to mention the issue of the recalled toys to people making bookings for children's parties. I explained to him that my concerns were genuine and that I was trying to avoid a potential problem. I'm guessing by his response he won’t be sending out an alert…”22
Judging by the response to Mrs. D, I guess this is no time for complacency. In the absence of a full-scale commitment by national governments to address this hazard, the responsibility to protect loved ones falls on parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and concerned citizens. As a start, I would urge each reader to email the link to this article to four contacts including people living abroad. Hopefully, they will do the same. Please also reach out to politicians, journalists, trade unionists or decision-makers you know to make sure they are kept up to date with developments. Feel free to report back!
March 5, 2026
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1 Kazan-Allen, L. Toxic Toys Create Global Outrage. November 21, 2026.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-toxic-toys-create-global-outrage.php
Kazan-Allen, L. Beijing, We Have a Problem! November 25, 2025.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-beijing-we-have-a-problem.php
2 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Educational Colours Rainbow products were recalled on November 12, 2025 because: “The products may cause a risk to health as tremolite and chrysotile asbestos have been detected in some samples after laboratory testing.”
ACCC. Customers warned of recalled children’s sand due to asbestos risks. November 12, 2025.
https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/customers-warned-of-recalled-children%E2%80%99s-sand-due-to-asbestos-risks
New Zealand. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand and Creatistics - Coloured Sand - Various Colours. November 12, 2025.
https://www.productsafety.govt.nz/recalls/educational-colours-rainbow-sand-and-creatistics-coloured-sand-various-colours
3 British Occupational Hygiene Society. Experts Warn of Asbestos Contaminated Play Sand. November 20, 2025.
https://www.bohs.org/media-resources/press-releases/detail/experts-warn-of-asbestos-contaminated-play-sand/
4 Kazan-Allen, L. Asbestos Complacency in Westminster. December 20, 2025.
https://ibasecretariat.org/lka-asbestos-complacency-in-westminster.php
5 澳洲石棉玩具沙重大公共安全卫生事件浅析与对中国家长的警示 [Analysis of major public safety and health incidents related to asbestos toy sand in Australia and warnings to Chinese parents]. November 18, 2025.
https://finance.sina.com.cn/roll/2025-11-18/doc-infxvtut4397489.shtml
6 ibid.
7 Tims, A. Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK. January 24, 2026.https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jan/24/childrens-play-sand-hobbycraft-asbestos-removed-recall
8 IBAS News Digest: UK:
https://ibasecretariat.org/abs_archive_news.php?sel=c&c_val=United+Kingdom
Also see: Alford, B. The Sand Problem Goes Global: How Australia and New ZealandForced the World to Pay Attention. March 3, 3036.
https://ibasecretariat.org/ba-sand-problem-goes-global-how-australia-and-new-zealand-forced-the-world-to-pay-attention.php
9 Hobbycraft. Product Recalls. Accessed February 27, 2026.
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/product-recall.html#giant-box-craft
10 GOV.UK. Word Search: asbestos play sand. February 27, 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/search/all?keywords=asbestos+play+sand
OPSS Product Recall. Addo Play Limited Out to Impress Creative Candles Kit. February 27, 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-addo-play-limited-out-to-impress-creative-candles-kit-2602-0293
Another OPSS recall was issued on March 2, 2026: Addo Play Limited Paw Patrol Sand Art Pictures Kit.
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-addo-play-limited-paw-patrol-sand-art-pictures-kit
11 This disposal method was also recommended by the OPSS in its Product Recall notification on February 23, 2026 for Sand Art Activity Kit.
OPSS. Product Recall Sand Art Activity Kit. February 23, 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-sand-art-activity-kit-sold-via-ebay-and-amazon-2602-0208
12 Email received from Dorset. February 27, 2026.
13 OPSS. Product Recall Sand Art Activity Kit. February 23, 2026.
According to the recall notice: “dispose of the product in your general household waste.”
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-sand-art-activity-kit-sold-via-ebay-and-amazon-2602-0208
OPSS. HTI Toys Stretcherz Toy. February 17, 2026.
“Return the product to the place of purchase for redress. If you are unable to get to the store, please follow the instructions above and dispose of the product in your general household waste. Contact the distributor you purchased from for a full refund.”
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-stretcherz-stretch-squad-assortment-and-slammerz-assortment-toys-2602-0156
Hobbycraft. Product Recalls. Accessed February 27, 2026.
Hobby craft advised “If you are unable to get to a Hobbycraft store, please follow the instructions above and dispose of the sand in your general household waste.”
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/product-recall.html#giant-box-craft
M&S Poster. Important Product Safety Notice. Out to Impress Creative Candles. February 26, 2026.
“Dispose of the product in your general household waste.”
https://assets.digitalcontent.marksandspencer.app/image/upload/Out_To_Impress_Creative_Candles_Set_Addo_Play_
Recall_Poster.pdf
Tesco. Product recall. Out To Impress Sand Art Kit. February 24, 2026.
https://digitalcontent.api.tesco.com/v2/media/homepage/d1c84e20-3e11-43ec-b80e-299e15110147/2653-845901-Entertainer+Sand+Art+Kit-UK%26ROI.pdf
Government of Western Australia. Department of Health. WA Health’s updated advice on recalled coloured sand products. November 21, 2025.
“Dispose of the products appropriately. enHealth has advised it supports members of the public to use accessible disposal methods including, where permitted, through the ordinary waste stream.”
https://www.health.wa.gov.au/Media-releases/2025/November/Updated-advice-on-recalled-coloured-sand-products
14 Hobbycraft. Product Recalls. Accessed February 27, 2026.
Hobby craft advised “Return the sand vials from the product to your nearest Hobbycraft store for a full refund.”
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/product-recall.html#giant-box-craft
OPSS. Addo Play Limited Out to Impress Creative Candles Kit. February 27, 2026.
“Dispose of the product in your general household waste, or return to store where specified by the retailer, who will provide a full refund.”
https://www.gov.uk/product-safety-alerts-reports-recalls/product-recall-addo-play-limited-out-to-impress-creative-candles-kit-2602-0293
Germany recalls sand filled children’s toys suspected of containing asbestos. February 26, 2026.
Germanys Consumers’ Warning website advised recalled toys should be “return them to the point of sale…”
https://www.bna.bh/En/Germanyrecallssandfilledchildrenstoyssuspectedofcontainingasbestos.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDixbUuXxrYFH%2FSqOVoNMDjY%3D
15 The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Ireland. Product Safety Information Notice on HTI Toys Stretcherz Toys. February 27, 2026.
https://www.ccpc.ie/consumers/product_recalls/product-safety-information-notice-on-hti-toys-stretcherz-toys/
16 The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Safe disposal and health information for consumers with recalled sand products. November 15, 2025.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/about-us/product-safety-news/news/safe-disposal-and-health-information-for-consumers-with-recalled-sand-products
WorkSafe Queensland. Asbestos in coloured sand. November 14, 2025.
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/news-and-events/alerts/workplace-health-and-safety-alerts/2025/asbestos-in-coloured-sand-updated-at-12pm-16-november
Health New Zealand. Asbestos in sand.
https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/health-topics/keeping-healthy/healthy-homes-environments/hazardous-substances/asbestos/asbestos-in-sand
The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control on February 26, 2026 said: “if you want to get rid of this toy right away, don't throw the sand in the trash cans like regular garbage, or in the sewers or nature. Contact your local authority in charge of waste collection and treatment to find out about the local rules for managing asbestos waste, knowing that this type of waste is subject to special waste management rules.”
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf/actualites-dgccrf/alerte-sur-de-lamiante-dans-certains-jouets-contenant-du-sable-les-reponses-vos-questions
17 Government UK. Storing and de-packaging recalled products containing asbestos: RPS 367. February 27, 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/storing-and-de-packaging-recalled-products-containing-asbestos-rps-367/storing-and-de-packaging-recalled-products-containing-asbestos-rps-367
Dabo, M. UK clarifies packaging rules for recalled asbestos products. March 2, 2026.
https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/uk-clarifies-packaging-rules-for-recalled-asbestos-products/
18 OPSS. Testing for asbestos in sand. March 2, 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/testing-for-asbestos-in-sand
19 Clevers, R. Zorgen over terugroepacties van speelzand: ‘Behandel het als asbesthoudend afval’
[Concerns about play sand recalls: ‘Treat it like asbestos-containing waste.’] February 20, 2026.
https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/zorgen-over-terugroepacties-van-speelzand-behandel-het-als-asbesthoudend-afval~a3c695e6/
20 IBAS News Digest details of various play sand developments:
https://ibasecretariat.org/abs_archive_news.php?sel=all&val=all
21 Robertson, J., Atkin, M. Asbestos contamination of children's sand was a fluke discovery in an Australian lab. November 18, 2025.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-18/asbestos-sand-contamination-chance-discovery-in-australian-lab/106022486
22 Email received March 2, 2026.
