U.S. health officials are urging families to immediately check for and discard popular "Monkees" squeeze toys due to the potential presence of asbestos, a known carcinogen. The recall affects over 120,000 toys manufactured in China by Orb Funkee, which were sold at major retailers including Walmart and Ollie's Bargain Outlet. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall last month, citing the risk of serious injury or death from asbestos exposure if the sand filling escapes.

Testing revealed that the sand filling inside the monkey-shaped figurines may contain asbestos, a substance considered unsafe at any level of exposure. Inhaled asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, leading to long-term damage, scarring, and an increased risk of developing cancer. Health officials emphasized that there is no safe amount of asbestos exposure, particularly for children whose lungs are still developing.

Disposal and Health Concerns

No illnesses or injuries have been reported to date in connection with the recalled toys. However, health officials provided detailed instructions for safe disposal. Intact toys should be wrapped in two plastic bags and taken to a household hazardous waste collection site. If a toy has ruptured and sand has spilled, parents are advised to contact a contractor for professional hazardous material cleanup. Officials strongly cautioned against using a vacuum cleaner to clean up spilled sand, as this could aerosolize the fibers and increase the risk of inhalation. In the interim, a damp cloth can be used to cover any spilled sand.

Parents are particularly concerned because children often play with squeeze toys close to their faces and may bite or squeeze them repeatedly, increasing the likelihood of the filling escaping. The unusually detailed disposal instructions underscore the potential risk associated with these items.

Product Details and Recall Information

Orb Funkee is offering full refunds for the recalled toys. The "Monkees" toys were sold between February 2025 and April 2026, with prices ranging from $5 to $40. The recall specifically covers two products:

  • The "Orb Funkee Gold Jumbo Monkee," code 3102491A, which is gold-colored.
  • The smaller "Orb Funkee Monkee," sold in various colors including orange, purple, and green, also bearing code 3102491A.

Michigan health officials reiterated the warning this week, stating that asbestos is dangerous and can take a long time to leave the body, potentially causing lasting lung problems.