Popular toy urgently recalled over ‘asbestos risk’

A children’s Smyths toy has been urgently recalled because the filling may contain asbestos which can lead to a serious lung condition. The Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards issued the urgent recall today, for the Smyths Toys Wooden Cornhole Board with Bean Bags.

Parents and guardians have been urged to stop using it immediately, warning that the product made in China “presents a risk to health as the sand inside the bags may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos”. The substance was used in building materials in the 1950s to the 1990s, but it was banned because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.

The toy, which breaches the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, has been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Smyths Toys. It is unclear how this product came into circulation.

Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, said: “This is just the latest in a worrying trend of recalls involving this deadly substance, which raises serious questions about the effectiveness of product safety checks that should have prevented these products from ever reaching consumers.”

It is described as a poplar wood board with six colourful toss bags in red, and blue and white stripes. The model number is 233254.

Since the material can be so harmful, the Government has issued disposal instructions. Owners are advised to stop using the product immediately, and, if the product is undamaged, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.

If the product is damaged and the filling is accessible, owners should clean up sites where the product has been, used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust.

“Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the filling and product gloves, mask and cloths. Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned,” the warning advised.

Owners can return the product to their nearest Smyths Toys store for a full refund without a receipt. If they are unable to return the product to a Smyths store, local authorities have guidance on how to safely dispose of asbestos.

The Express has contacted Smyths Toys for comment.