‘Risk to health’: Warning as asbestos discovered in kids toy
Asbestos has been found in samples of a children’s toy sold nationwide for more than a year, prompting a warning to parents to immediately stop using the product and dispose of it safely.
The Wonder Co Scoop & Play Ice Cream sensory bin and Scoop & Play Dino Discovery sensory bin have been recalled due to concerns they may contain asbestos.
The Product Safety warning states that asbestos was detected in tests conducted on some samples of the children’s toy.
“Products are being recalled because the sand may contain asbestos, a substance banned in Australia,” the warning said.
“Sand in the products may pose a health risk, as tremolite asbestos was detected in some samples in laboratory tests.”
The products were sold nationally and online by supplier Toymate between December 10, 2024 and January 7, 2026.
People are urged to stop using the products immediately and seek advice on safe disposal from the Asbestos and Silica Safety Elimination Agency on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Product Safety website.
Refunds can be made by presenting proof of purchase at the place of purchase.
Affected models of the sensory toy, which allows children to make plastic dinosaurs out of sand or turn sand into ice cream, include 24000867 – Wonder Co Scoop & Play Ice Cream box, 24004512 – Wonder Co Scoop & Play Dino discovery sensory box.
The warning follows the closure of more than 70 schools across the country last November after the ACCC found that some Kadink decorative sand products may contain tremolite asbestos.
Sand is used for arts and crafts as well as sensory play in some schools.
There has been a ban on asbestos imports in Australia since 2003.
Inhaling these asbestos fibers can damage lung tissue and, over time, asbestos can lead to lung diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
It can take approximately 20-30 years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Tremolite asbestos is a naturally occurring asbestos found in some rocks, sediments and soils in Australia.
Any person or business who believes they have an affected product is urged to discontinue use immediately before isolating the product, including turning off any air conditioning.
A licensed asbestos technician will then need to assess the risk and determine what action to take.
