A recall of a popular children’s toy due to potential asbestos contamination is making headlines and raising concerns among parents and health advocates about where asbestos could be lurking.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ordered the recall of over 120,000 Orb Funkee squeeze toys after the discovery that the sand inside the toys may contain fibrous tremolite, a form of asbestos linked to the rare and aggressive cancer called mesothelioma.
The recalled toys, which were imported by the Canadian company The Orb Factory Limited, were carried across the United States in Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet locations from February 2025 through April 2026. According to the CPSC alert, the recall affects two models of the squeeze toy.
Owners of the toys have been recommended to immediately take them away from their children, for fears that the sand within could cause health issues. Asbestos is a natural type of mineral found in the earth’s soil. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, but has also been linked to higher risk of lung and ovarian cancers.
What to Do if Affected by Orb Funkee Toy Asbestos Recall
The CPSC urged parents or guardians to seal the toy securely in a heavy duty plastic bag and submit a photo of the product to The Orb Factory Limited for a refund, followed by immediate disposal.
If the toy has ruptured and any of the sand has leaked out, additional protective measures are recommended. The CPSC directs product owners to wear a mask and gloves while picking up any loose sand with a damp cloth, then double-bag the toy and tape it shut before disposal.
Unfortunately, people will not learn if they have been affected by asbestos in the Orb Funkee toys for quite some time. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop after a person’s initial exposure.
Children or parents who are exposed to asbestos from the Orb Funkee toy may develop this cancer decades from now. This can cause a lifetime of worry and stress for many families who purchased the toy hoping to bring joy to their children.
What Is Fibrous Tremolite?
The form of asbestos linked to the Orb Funkee recall, fibrous tremolite, can be a uniquely dangerous form of asbestos. It is lightweight and easily becomes airborne when broken into loose, sharp fibers. Asbestos can cause health issues including mesothelioma if inhaled.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer diagnosed in approximately 2,500 people in the U.S. each year. The average survival is 12-18 months. The 5-year survival rate is less than 10%, making mesothelioma one of the most challenging types of cancer.
Tremolite asbestos is often found near the minerals talc and vermiculite in the earth’s soil, which can lead to contamination during the mining process. Tremolite asbestos has been found in a number of household products, notably Johnson & Johnson talc-based baby powders, which has led to tens of thousands of lawsuits and the worldwide end of the product’s sale.
When victims of asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, they can file legal claims to receive compensation. These claims, either lawsuits or asbestos trust fund claims, are made against the companies that manufacture and sell products containing asbestos.
Dangers of Asbestos in Children’s Toys
Although few may suspect toys to carry a risk of asbestos, the Orb Funkee toy is far from the first product marketed to children to be recalled due to asbestos fears. For instance, the Environmental Working Group detected asbestos in several brands of crayons and children’s crime scene fingerprint kits.
More recently, over 70 schools in Australia and New Zealand were temporarily closed in December 2025 after asbestos, including tremolite asbestos, was found in children’s play sand. This contaminated sand was available at retailers such as Kmart and Target from 2020-25, and led to a wider recall.
Sources & Author
- Asbestos fears spark urgent recall of over 120K squeeze toys sold at Walmart, Ollie’s. Fox 4 KDFW. Retrieved from: https://www.fox4news.com/news/asbestos-fears-spark-urgent-recall-120k-squeeze-toys-sold-walmart-ollies. Accessed: 06/09/2026.
