A range of children’s toys has been urgently recalled in the UK after fears that some may be contaminated with asbestos, a substance banned due to its serious health risks. Authorities have issued clear guidance urging parents to stop using the products and keep them away from children.
The recall centres on toys containing sand-like materials, including science kits and stretchy figures. According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), even small quantities of asbestos pose a risk to health, prompting swift action from manufacturers and regulators.
Health Risks Linked to Contaminated Toy Materials
The primary concern relates to the presence of asbestos in the sand-like substances found inside several toys. According to the OPSS, the KTL Sensory Science Kit has been identified as posing a health risk because the material “may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos”. The product has since been withdrawn from end users by the manufacturer, KTL, formerly known as Kandy Toys.
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in construction before being banned in the UK in 1999. According to health guidance, all forms of asbestos are hazardous, particularly when fibres become airborne and are inhaled, which can lead to serious respiratory diseases and cancer.
The recalled science kit, marketed as a playful learning tool allowing children to create “glowing slime” and experiment with “magic sand”, includes vials, mixing beakers, and the potentially contaminated material. The OPSS stated that the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
Beyond this single item, a broader list of toys has also been flagged. According to reports, multiple products distributed by KTL, including stretchy animal toys and additional science kits, may contain similar sand-like substances that carry the same risk. In total, dozens of toys have been pulled from shelves as a precaution.
Official Guidance and What Parents Should Do
Authorities have issued detailed instructions for handling and disposing of the affected products. According to the OPSS, parents and caregivers should “stop using the product immediately” and ensure it is kept out of reach of children.
If the sand remains sealed within its original packaging, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely double-taped, clearly labelled, and stored safely. Where the material has already been used, the advice becomes more specific: areas where the toy was handled should be cleaned with wet cloths to prevent dust from becoming airborne.
The OPSS also recommends wearing gloves and a mask during clean-up, with all materials, including cloths and protective equipment, double-bagged before disposal. People are advised to keep children and others away from affected areas until cleaning is complete.
Consumers have the option to dispose of the items with general household waste or return them to a specified retailer for a full refund. According to official recall information published on 18 March, further updates may follow as additional distributors are identified.
