Children's sensory toys have been pulled from shelves after it was discovered the sand inside may be contaminated with trace amounts of asbestos. The Tickit Sensory Blocks, manufactured by Commotion Limited, were recalled following a safety alert from the UK government.
Product details and identification
The affected batch consists of 16 large rubberwood blocks containing different sensory materials encased in acrylic windows. The batch code is printed on the red acrylic block in the set, and the products can also be identified by the barcode 5060138820289. They were sold between May 2025 and March 2026.
Manufacturer background
Tickit, based in Kent, has been producing educational and sensory children's toys for nearly 30 years, aiming to inspire learning and make teaching more enjoyable. The company has not yet commented on the recall.
Health risks of asbestos exposure
Exposure to asbestos can lead to asbestosis, a serious lung condition. Symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, wheezing, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and pain in the chest or shoulder. In more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips may occur. It can take 20 to 30 years after exposure before symptoms appear. Tests for the condition include a chest X-ray, a CT scan of the lungs, and lung function tests.
It has been illegal to import, export, sell or use any type of asbestos in the UK since 1999. The government advises anyone who has purchased these blocks to stop using them immediately and contact Commotion Limited for a refund.
