Dutch authorities pull five asbestos-contaminated children's toys from shelves

The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has withdrawn five products from sale after tests revealed asbestos levels above the legal limit. The banned items, including children's sand toys, contained between 0.15 and 0.42 percent asbestos—well over the permitted 0.1 percent threshold.

A broader investigation is now underway, with health officials examining potential risks linked to contaminated play and craft sand.

The NVWA launched its probe following earlier reports of asbestos traces in sand products. Tests commissioned by Het Algemeen Dagblad found tremolite asbestos—up to 5 percent—in Montessori sand tables and coloured craft sand sets sold by retailers such as Top1Toys, Bol.com, Amazon, AliExpress, and Koppen Speelgoed.

Out of 104 products analysed, 65 showed no asbestos contamination. Another 29 contained trace amounts but remained within legal limits. Ten items are still under review, while the five banned products exceeded safety thresholds. Inhaling asbestos is a recognised cancer risk, prompting the NVWA to work with the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) on a detailed health assessment. A full report on potential hazards is expected in the coming weeks.

The NVWA has not yet named the specific brands or product types removed from shelves. Authorities continue to investigate the scope of contamination, focusing on children's sand toys and craft materials. The findings will determine whether further recalls or safety warnings are necessary.