Shein Recalls Children's Blocks Due to Asbestos Contamination Fears
The online retailer has issued a recall for its Children's Wooden Acrylic Rainbow Sensory Blocks after potential asbestos contamination was discovered.
Parents are being urged to check their children's toy boxes for building blocks sold by the online retailer Shein, as a safety alert has been issued over fears the toys may be contaminated with asbestos. The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) has warned that the Children's Wooden Acrylic Rainbow Sensory Blocks do not meet safety regulations, as the sand inside the blocks may contain the cancer-causing material.
Asbestos is a banned substance that poses health risks even at low exposure levels, according to safety chiefs. The OPSS has recommended that owners stop using the product immediately and keep it out of children's reach. The blocks have already been removed from sale and recalled by Shein.
Consumers are advised to check their purchase records for product number sk26062823339701832428. Shein has apologized for the inconvenience and is offering full refunds. Customers can contact [email protected] for further information. The contaminated toys should not be returned to stores.
The OPSS has provided disposal instructions for affected toys. If the blocks are undamaged, they should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag and kept away from children. If the toy is damaged and the sand filling is exposed, play areas should be cleaned with a wet cloth while wearing protective clothing to prevent inhaling dust. After double-bagging the toy and any contaminated cleaning supplies, parents are advised to contact their local authority for guidance on safe asbestos disposal.
Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral that was widely used in construction until the 1980s when its dangers became apparent. Its properties of durability, resistance to fire, and low cost led to its common use as insulation. Concerns about asbestos's cancer-causing properties emerged in the late 1930s, with serious diseases like mesothelioma linked to exposure by the 1960s. The danger arises from microscopic fibers that can become airborne and lodge in the body, potentially causing lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma. While asbestos can remain in some older buildings if undisturbed, the risk increases significantly when the material is broken or drilled, releasing harmful fibers into the air. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that asbestos exposure kills around 5,000 people annually in the UK, though some campaigners believe the actual number is much higher.