The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging families to dispose of “Monkee” Orb Funkee-brand squeeze toys that are under recall for possibly containing asbestos.
The recalled toys were sold at Walmart or Ollies Bargain Outlet and have the date code 3102491A, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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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.
Recalled toys should stop being used immediately.
Refund information
- Contact The Orb Factory for a refund.
- Phone: 800-741-0089 from 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday- Friday.
- Email: customerservice@orbtoys.com.
- Online: Orb Recall Information.
How to properly dispose of the toy
- 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 left 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- Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to speak to a toxicologist.
Health impacts from asbestos exposure
Asbestos is dangerous for everyone.
Asbestos can take a long time to leave the body and can cause long-term lung damage, this is especially dangerous to young children whose lungs are still developing.
At this time there have been no reports of illnesses or injuries related to this product.
Click here for more information about asbestos.