Lansing — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services advised families Tuesday to immediately stop using recalled “Orb Funkee” squeeze toys purchased from Walmart or Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.
In a press release, the health department said people should properly dispose of the items because the sand inside might contain asbestos.
“There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure,” the department’s statement said. “Consumers, especially children, should stop using the recalled toys immediately.”
The recall involves two models of Orb Funkee squeeze toys with the date code 3102491A.
The products are made of soft, stretchable material and filled with sand. Model 17451 is a large golden “monkee,” and Model 41929 has an assortment of small “monkees” in various colors, including orange, purple and green, according to the health department.
The date code can be found on the hand of the golden monkee or the back of the smaller ones.
The advisory said people can contact The Orb Factory for a refund at 800-741-0089.
If the toy is not broken, owners can seal it in two heavy plastic bags and take it to a Type 2 licensed landfill for disposal.
Owners should call a contractor licensed to clean up asbestos if the toy has rips or tears. You can search for licensed local contractors on the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Contractor Search web page.
The health department said people should not vacuum or sweep the spilled sand. That can spread the asbestos into the air.
For additional assistance, call the department’s environmental health hotline at 800-648-6942.
cmauger@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan health department issues warning about recalled squeeze toys
Reporting by Craig Mauger, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Craig Mauger, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
