Parents warned to 'stop using' Shein children's sensory blocks immediately after asbestos is found inside sand filling

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026 · last updated 2 October 2026.

Shein has issued an urgent recall of its Children's Wooden Acrylic Rainbow Sensory Blocks after the Office for Product Safety & Standards found that the sand used to fill the toys may contain asbestos — a cancer-causing substance banned in the UK that poses a health risk even at minimal exposure. Anyone who bought the blocks should stop using them immediately and keep them out of children's reach. Shein has taken the product down from its website and is offering full refunds without requiring the item to be returned. The product number affected is sk26062823339701832428.

Where a block is damaged and its sand is accessible, parents should clean the area with a damp cloth while wearing protective clothing to avoid inhaling any dust.

Shein has apologised, acknowledging that the sand in four of the blocks 'may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos' — parents requiring help can contact the company at ukcsteam@shein.co.uk.