UK children's play sand pulled after asbestos found in three colors, sparking health concerns.

Children's play sand sold by UK retailer Hobbycraft has been pulled from shelves after tests found asbestos contamination in three of five colors, prompting concern over children's health. The fibrous tremolite, a known carcinogen, was detected in sand from a craft kit made in China, where products with less than 5% asbestos can be labeled asbestos-free. Though Hobbycraft removed the product without a formal recall, the incident echoes a prior outbreak in Australia and New Zealand that led to school closures. UK regulators, no longer applying the precautionary principle post-Brexit, rely on foreign warnings, raising concerns about consumer safety. Health experts criticize the current system for failing to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.