Smyths toys asbestos recall: Risk to health as seven Dig products recalled
The products were recalled due to concerns that the product sets may contain asbestos.
Smyths Toys withdrew seven Dig products due to concerns that they may contain asbestos. According to the government’s website, “The product presents a risk to health as the sand-like material inside the toy may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos.
“Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”
The Smyths Toys Dig Products recalled:
248772 Dino Dig Sensory Bin
231105 Gold Dig It Kit
166403 10pcs Dig It Out Dinosaur Eggs
187539 Gem Dig Kit 12 Gem Pack
223521 Dig It Up Pirates 13 Treasure Set
242645 Pocket Play Gold Treasure Chest
187538 Gem Dig Kit 8 Pac
What has Smyths Toys said?
Smyths Toys have said that “Testing has shown that the material inside some products may contain trace levels of asbestos. Smyths Toys is recalling the selected items as a precaution.
Smyths Toys have also advised to “Stop using the product immediately and to “keep the product out of reach of children. Return the product to your nearest Smyths Toys Superstore for a full refund free of charge.”
Charli Aitken, from Lincoln, has told the BBC that her three year old son Rudi was playing with the toys in early February. She said: "I turned around and Rudi had taken a big spoonful of this dinosaur sand. He looked at me and smiled and his mouth was full of plaster.
"I phoned NHS 111 who put me on to the poison team. They said the risk was in case there was anything toxic in the product."
Charli also said: "I trusted what Smyths said. I trusted it was non-toxic.” When she saw the product recall notice, she revealed that "All I saw was 'asbestos' and my heart dropped.”