Experts are sounding the alarm over a surge of potentially hazardous toys available to children, citing risks ranging from choking and chemical burns to cancer-causing contaminants. These concerns are amplified by recent product recalls, including sand kits found to contain asbestos and novelty items with dangerous chemical concentrations.

Craig Delahaye, Associate Director of Legal Operations at the National Accident Helpline, expressed concern over the quality of toys available, stating, "Instead, cheap slop has flooded the shelves, but some of it is so bad, that it could be dangerous."

Contaminated Sand Toys

Sand-based toys have recently come under scrutiny. Dr. Ross Perry, a GP and Medical Director of Cosmedics, warned parents against purchasing kinetic sand, particularly cheaper versions, after investigations revealed asbestos in several popular brands. Amazon's Craftplay Sand Art Bottles were recalled this week due to asbestos contamination. Previously, experts from Which? discovered asbestos in a "Montessori sand art tray" sold on Amazon Marketplace and TikTok Shop, as well as in the "GL Style Sand Bottle Art Heart or Stars" set purchased from Asda.

Tremolite asbestos, a banned substance in the UK, can cause severe lung diseases if inhaled. The affected sand is believed to be sourced from Chinese quarries where asbestos is naturally present. Retailers such as Amazon, Asda, eBay, and TikTok have taken steps to remove these products following the findings.

Chemical Risks in Novelty Toys

Viral "squeezy dumpling" toys have also been flagged for potential dangers. The Office for Product Safety and Standards issued an urgent recall for fake versions of these toys, found to contain an excess concentration of benzene, a known carcinogen. Inhaling benzene can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and prolonged exposure can lead to skin irritation and digestive tract burns. Rhys Harries of Swansea Council's Trading Standards noted that toys emitting strong chemical smells and lacking safety information should raise immediate concerns.

Microwave Hazards and Other Dangers

A dangerous social media trend involving microwaving "squishy" toys to soften them has led to severe burns. A Queensland schoolgirl suffered facial burns after a heated toy exploded. Medical experts report treating multiple children with serious injuries from this trend, as the hot gel inside can cause deep, persistent burns and potentially require surgery and skin grafts. Similar incidents have been reported in the US and UK.

Other toys raising safety concerns include:

  • Fidget spinners: Some versions have been found with small parts that can be a choking hazard or contain lithium-ion batteries that could cause internal bleeding if ingested.
  • Magnetic toys: Ingesting small magnets, often found in fidget toys and other items, can lead to serious internal injuries requiring surgery, as the magnets can attract each other across intestinal tissue.
  • Hoverboards: These can be a fire hazard due to potential issues with lithium-ion batteries, with several instances of fires causing significant damage.
  • Water bead toys: These expand significantly when ingested and can cause fatal blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. They are also difficult to detect on X-rays, delaying diagnosis. The beads can also cause tissue damage if inserted into the nose or ears.
  • Teething and pull-string toys: Long or stringy variants can pose choking or strangulation hazards to infants.
  • Sand-filled stretchy toys: Some have been recalled due to asbestos contamination.
  • Battery-powered and electronic toys: These can pose fire risks if they lack proper safety certifications or fuses, and some toys with accessible button cell batteries present an ingestion hazard.
  • Baby neck floats: These are not recommended due to risks of drowning, spinal injury, and airway restriction.
  • Toy slingshots: These can cause serious injuries, including fractures and eye damage.
  • Toddler Activity Cubes: Some have been recalled due to small parts detaching, posing a choking hazard, or having components that violate safety standards. Board games with small pieces like dice and counters also present choking risks for young children.