Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Anna TimsJanuary 24, 2026 at 08:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Hobbycraft, a UK craft retailer, withdrew a children's play sand product after a parent discovered asbestos contamination. The sand, part of a "Giant Box of Craft" kit, tested positive for tremolite asbestos, prompting concern due to potential cancer risks from inhalation. The discovery follows similar asbestos findings in play sand in Australia and New Zealand, with all products manufactured in China where asbestos regulations differ. While Hobbycraft removed the product from sale, they declined a full recall, citing a lack of official warnings or evidence of harm, a decision criticized by a government source. The incident highlights potential gaps in post-Brexit UK health and safety regulations, which now require hard evidence of harm before a recall can be issued.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

British Occupational Hygiene 30% New Zealand 40% Australia ×250% Brexit 50% China 60% UK ×370% Hobbycraft ×790%

Keywords

asbestos 100% play sand 90% product recall 70% hobbycraft 70% health and safety 60% china 50% post-brexit 50% cancer risk 50% precautionary principle 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.40)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United Kingdom

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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asbestos play sand product recall hobbycraft health and safety china post-brexit cancer risk precautionary principle

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