Parents and schools across Ireland have been urged to stop using a children’s kit and follow safety precautions after tests found tremolite asbestos in some samples.
File photo of a Toymaster(Image: Gareth Chaney / Collins)
An urgent warning has been issued to parents and schools across Ireland after tests found tremolite asbestos in some samples of a popular children’s toy.
A nationwide recall has been issued for the My Living World, Worm World Kit, which has been supplied a number of schools and sold through several retailers and online platforms.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said today: “The product may present a health risk as the sand included in the kit may contain tremolite asbestos. Tremolite asbestos is a naturally occurring asbestos which was detected in some samples of the product after laboratory testing.
“Asbestos is a banned substance across the EU because it poses a risk to health. Scientific Laboratory Supplies Limited (SLS Ltd) is carrying out a recall of this product from several schools it has supplied in Ireland. The CCPC has been in contact with The Health and Safety Authority (HSA), SLS Ltd and the schools regarding this recall.”
The toy, which has the product code LW102C, has also been sold at a number of Irish retailers. The retailers confirmed so far are:
Banba Toymaster, 48 Mary Street, Dublin 1Hopkins Toymaster, Main Street, Wicklow TownToy Corner, Moycullen, GalwayOliver Douglas & Sons, Roscrea Road, Birr, Co OffalyEamonn Fahey Toymaster, Crossmolina Road, Ballina, Co MayoKellys Toymaster, Church Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly
It has also been confirmed that the kit was sold through Amazon to Irish customers, and may have been available via other online retailers.
My Living World, Worm World Kit has been recalled(Image: CCPC)
The CCPC is advising anyone who has the product to take these immediate precautions:
Stop using the product immediately.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.If the sand has been used, clean sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a protective mask. 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. Contact your local authority for advice on collection and disposal.Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.Prior to disposal contact the distributor you purchased from to request a refund.
A spokesperson added: “The CCPC continues to work with the HSA and other relevant agencies, and this notice will be updated if more information becomes available.”
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