Playtime Poisons

In 2025, several coloured sand products sold for children's play and educational activities were recalled in Australia after asbestos was detected in some samples.

We've spent decades improving toy safety standards, yet potentially hazardous substances continue to turn up in children's playthings.

Radioactive science kits, lead paint, BPA, phthalates in plastics… which is the lesser of the evils?

Some accuse parents of being 'picky' or overly cautious when it comes to what we give our children. But a look back through the history of toys reveals some disturbing truths about what was once considered acceptable play.

Take lawn darts, for example. Popular throughout the 1970s and 80s, these involved throwing enormous, weighted darts with sharp metal tips into the air at family gatherings. Apparently, this could cause serious injury or death. Who would have thought?

Then there were vintage chemistry sets containing some rather questionable substances. In 1950, the children's Gilbert U-238 Atomic Energy Lab contained actual radioactive uranium ore samples and included a Geiger counter.

I mean, that's one way to learn.

And mercury? That fascinating little liquid metal found in thermometers and various electrical devices was once something children and teenagers might handle with their bare hands, rolling droplets around for entertainment.

Of course, we've come a long way since then. But somehow, we're still finding ourselves questioning the materials used in products specifically designed for children.

After growing concerns about chemicals such as BPA and certain phthalates in plastics, many parents and carers began favouring wooden toys as a more natural alternative.

But are wooden toys necessarily safer?

Not always. Wood itself isn't usually the concern. It's the paints, coatings, glues and other materials used in manufacturing. Poorly made or non-compliant products can contain hazardous substances, regardless of whether they're wooden or plastic.

And as wooden toys became increasingly popular, so did inexpensive imitations designed to achieve the same beautiful, minimalist aesthetic. Unfortunately, a toy that looks natural and wholesome isn't necessarily manufactured to the same standards as a quality product.

The aesthetic is there, but the reassurance may be little more than a mirage.

So, what is even safe anymore?

How much time are parents supposed to spend researching materials, manufacturers and product recalls just to ensure our children are safe from playtime poisons?

I mean, it's difficult enough choosing something that won't be discarded after five minutes, without having to investigate whether the paint contains lead or the plastic is leaching something unpleasant.

Most toys are perfectly safe, of course. But when something as innocent as coloured craft sand becomes the subject of an asbestos recall, I think we're entitled to question what else might be slipping through.

Or perhaps my mother-in-law was right, and we simply worry too much.