In the United Kingdom, Primark recalled two Halloween gonk decorations after regulators said the sand inside them may contain asbestos, a banned material that can be dangerous even with limited exposure.
One of the affected decorations has a pumpkin hat, while the other has gray hair and a witch hat.
Here's what to know
According to The Independent, the U.K. Office for Product Safety and Standards said the recall covers Primark items with model numbers 991174794 and 991179148 and barcodes 212047125 and 212080261.
"The products present a risk to health as the sand sealed inside the gonks may be contaminated with a small quantity of asbestos," the OPSS said. "Asbestos is a banned substance because it poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure."
Anyone who bought the recalled decorations can return them to the nearest Primark store for a full refund. No receipt is required.
The recall added these gonks to a wider list of toys and other consumer goods that have been pulled over asbestos contamination.
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What can be done?
If someone has one of the recalled gonks and it has not been damaged, the OPSS said it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, sealed shut with double tape, clearly marked, and kept securely away from children until it can be returned.
If a recalled gonk has been damaged and its filling is accessible, owners should wear gloves and a mask before cleaning with wet cloths "to avoid generating dust." Both the decoration and the cleanup materials should then be sealed in two bags.
People who are unable to return the products to Primark are advised to contact their local authority for guidance on disposing of asbestos safely instead.
"We recommend owners stop using this product immediately and keep it out of the reach of children," the OPSS said.
Where can I learn more?
Similar warnings have come up around other consumer products and Halloween items.
• In the U.K., Asda pulled a children's sand art kit after asbestos contamination fears.
• In the U.S., Walmart and Ollie's recalled a popular squeeze toy over asbestos fears.
• Officials warned some popular kids Halloween costumes carried serious chemical exposure risks.
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