Asbestos-related product recalls

In Ireland, the CCPC has issued recall notices for a number of consumer products that may present a health risk as the play sand included in the products may contain asbestos.

Current information indicates that sandpit sand is not affected by this issue.

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals. It is a banned substance across the EU because it poses a risk to health. The asbestos may have entered the play sand as a natural occurring impurity due to its presence in the raw material from which the play sand was originally mined or processed.

HSE Public Health advice is that there is low risk to human health from these sand products based on current information. The HSE does not recommend clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with these sand products. However, if you have any concerns, you should contact your GP for further advice.

If you have bought a consumer product that you believe may be affected, you should do the following:

1. Check the recalls page on CCPC.ie to see if your product is affected and take note of any specific directions issued by the trader.
2. Stop using the product
3. Disposal instructions:

1. 1. If the sand is still packaged, 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. Contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal.
   2. If the sand has been used, clean areas where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a protective FFP2 face mask or equivalent. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths. Seal it securely, label it clearly and store it in a secure location out of reach of children. Do not use a vacuum cleaner for clean-up. Contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal.
   3. Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
   4. Prior to disposal contact the distributor you purchased from to request a refund.

The CCPC continues to engage with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), as required. Further updates will be provided as soon as additional information becomes available.

For general advice on product safety when buying toys, visit our child safety webpage. You can also view the latest product recalls.