Families urged to immediately dispose of recalled Orb Funkee squeeze toys that may contain asbestos

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services urges families to check their homes for recalled "Orb Funkee" squeeze toys purchased from Walmart or Ollies Bargain Outlet. MDHHS advises households to stop using these toys immediately and properly dispose of them because the sand inside these toys may contain asbestos.

This recall involves two models of Orb Funkee squeeze toys with the date code 3102491A. The products are made of soft, stretchable material and are filled with sand. Model 17451 is a large golden "monkee" and model 41929 is an assortment of small "monkees" in various colors, including orange, purple and green. The date code can be found on the hand of the golden monkee or the back of the smaller monkees.

There is no safe amount of asbestos exposure. Consumers, especially children, should stop using the recalled toys immediately.

Refund information

• Contact The Orb Factory for a refund.

• Phone: 800-741-0089 from 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Email: [email protected].

• Online: Orb Recall Information.

Disposal Information

• If the toy has not broken open:

• Seal the toy in two heavy plastic bags, i.e. double bagged.

• Take it to a Type 2 licensed landfill for disposal.

• Search for a Type 2 licensed landfill near you on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) Michigan Materials Management Facilities map.

• Select "Solid Waste Landfills - Type II" in the legend.

• You can also search for local government household hazardous waste collection contacts on the EGLE's Disposal of Household Hazardous Waste web page.

• If the toy has rips, tears or the sand has escaped the toy:

• Call a contractor licensed to clean up and dispose of asbestos.

• Search for licensed local contractors on the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Contractor Search web page.

• Follow the EPA's Asbestos Dos and Don'ts for the Homeowner.

• Do not vacuum or sweep spilled sand. This may spread the asbestos in the air, make it easier to breathe in and cause long-term lung damage.

• For additional assistance, call the MDHHS Environmental Health Hotline at
  800-648-6942, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak to a toxicologist.

Health impacts from asbestos exposure

At this time there have been no reports of illnesses or injuries related to this product.

Asbestos is dangerous for everyone. It can take a long time for it to leave our bodies and can cause lasting lung problems. It is especially dangerous to young children whose lungs are still developing.

Read the Agency on Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Asbestos FAQs for more information about asbestos.

To stay up to date on details associated with this recall, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall page.

For information on asbestos regulations, visit Michigan.gov/EGLEAsbestos and contact EGLE district office asbestos program staff.

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