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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider FDA urged to test colored sand toys amid overseas asbestos contamination alerts

FDA urged to test colored sand toys amid overseas asbestos contamination alerts

Published Nov 18, 2025 01:27 pm
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
(PHOTO: PIXABAY)
Amid recalls abroad triggered by potential asbestos contamination, toxics watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assess the safety of colored sand play products currently being sold in the country.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asbestos is a group of mineral fibers that remains widely hazardous, causing multiple cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and over 200,000 deaths globally each year, putting workers and anyone involved in construction, maintenance, or demolition of asbestos-containing structures at continual risk.
EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator, Aileen Lucero, said they were calling on the FDA to promptly examine play sand products in the market and provide assurance that these do not pose any risk of asbestos exposure to children.

“Pending the conduct of asbestos analysis, we appeal to toy stores, including those online, to temporarily stop the sale of children’s play sands until such time their manufacturers, importers or distributors have made available verifiable certificates of analysis confirming their products are free of any asbestos,” she said in a statement.

“The government needs to assure the Filipino people, especially the parents and their children and the schools catering to very young students, that play sand products available in the market are asbestos-free in accordance with the law.”

Under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2000-02, or the Chemical Control Order for Asbestos, the use of asbestos in toys is strictly prohibited, along with several other products and applications.

On Nov. 12, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published a recall notice from supplier Educational Colours regarding play sand products that were found to contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos.

“The products may cause a risk to health,” the ACCC warned, advising the public to “stop using the products immediately.”

“Although there have been early indications that the risk of exposure is low, it is important to take precautions with all potential exposures,” it added.
Likewise, New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) reported that several play sand products sold in the country are now being recalled over possible asbestos contamination.

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FDA ASBESTOS TOXICS WATCHDOG ECOWASTE COLORED SAND PLAY PRODUCTS
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