Crayola Play Sand: Asbestos Recall
Crayola children's play sand has been recalled after testing confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres (tremolite), a known carcinogen.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a safety alert. Stop using the product immediately and keep it sealed in a plastic bag.
Asbestos fibres
Hazard
Crayola Play Sand
Product
2026
Alert date
Full refund
Remedy
What you should do
Stop using the product immediately and do not allow children to play with it
Seal the sand in a plastic bag and do not dispose of it in household waste: asbestos requires specialist disposal
Return the product to the retailer for a full refund. No receipt is required for safety recalls
If your child has been exposed, consult your GP and mention potential asbestos exposure from a consumer product
Report the product to the OPSS at productrecall.campaign.gov.uk or call 020 7215 1000
Contact your local authority Trading Standards if the retailer refuses a refund
Your rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (s.9), goods must be of satisfactory quality. A product containing asbestos is inherently unsafe and fails this test
Under s.10 CRA 2015, goods must be fit for purpose, and children's play sand contaminated with a carcinogen is not fit for any purpose
The manufacturer is strictly liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 for damage caused by defective products, including personal injury
If you or your child develop respiratory symptoms, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Consider seeking specialist legal advice
The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 require products to be safe, and the retailer and manufacturer are both liable for supplying an unsafe product
You can claim a full refund, compensation for consequential losses (e.g. GP visits, replacement products), and potentially damages for distress
When to seek legal advice
Asbestos exposure is a serious health matter. While a single, brief exposure from play sand carries a lower risk than occupational exposure, you should consider seeking specialist legal advice if:
- •Your child was exposed repeatedly over weeks or months
- •Anyone in the household develops respiratory symptoms (cough, breathlessness)
- •You want to join a potential group claim against the manufacturer
EvenStance can help you document the exposure and generate a formal complaint. For personal injury claims, we recommend consulting a solicitor specialising in product liability.
Affected by this recall?
EvenStance can help you document the issue, generate a complaint letter, and track your refund claim. Motor finance (PCP and HP) claims are free, and so is checking any other case. Quick Resolution is £9.99 once for a straightforward case, and Starter is £19.99 a month.
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