More than 121,000 Orb Funkee squeeze toys were recalled due to possible asbestos contamination. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the sand inside two toy models may contain fibrous tremolite asbestos, a dangerous carcinogen linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory illnesses.
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The recalled toys were sold at Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores nationwide between February 2025 and April 2026. Consumers are urged to stop using the products immediately, especially if the toys have broken open or leaked sand.
Key Takeaways
- More than 121,000 Orb Funkee squeeze toys were recalled over possible asbestos contamination.
- The recalled toys may contain fibrous tremolite asbestos inside the sand filling.
- Exposure to asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other serious respiratory illnesses.
- The recalled toys were sold at Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores nationwide.
- Consumers should stop using the toys immediately and keep them away from children.
- Families affected by asbestos exposure may have legal options.
Which Orb Funkee Toys Were Recalled?
According to the CPSC recall notice, approximately 121,340 Orb Funkee squeeze toys are affected. The recalled products include:
- Model 17451, a large golden monkey toy (stylized “monkee”)
- Model 41929, a collection of smaller “monkee” toys in various colors, including orange, green, and purple
The affected toys contain the date code 3102491A. Consumers can find the date code on the back of the smaller toys and on the hand of the larger golden monkey.
The products were sold nationwide at Walmart and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores between February 2025 and April 2026. Prices ranged from approximately $5 to $40.
At this time, no injuries or illnesses have been publicly reported in connection with the recall.
What Is Asbestos, and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in manufacturing and construction because of its resistance to heat and corrosion. It was incorporated into various types of products throughout the 20th century, such as roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, insulation, brake pads and clutch linings, fire blankets, and heat-resistant protective clothing. Before strict anti-asbestos regulations were put into place, asbestos fibers were highly valued. They were woven into fabrics, spun into threads, and mixed into various other materials.
Although asbestos use has declined significantly in the United States, exposure remains dangerous. When products that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, they release microscopic fibers into the air.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers can become trapped inside the lungs and remain there permanently. Over time, this exposure may cause inflammation, scarring, and life-threatening illnesses.
Health conditions linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis: Asbestosis is the long-term scarring of the lung tissue caused by asbestos that leads to severe shortness of breath and troubled breathing.
- Lung, Laryngeal, and Ovarian Cancers: Asbestos can significantly increase the risk of these types of cancers.
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lungs and abdomen. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer.
What Symptoms Can Asbestos Exposure Cause?
Symptoms related to asbestos exposure may not appear immediately. In many cases, asbestos-related illnesses develop slowly over time, sometimes decades after exposure occurs. However, individuals exposed to asbestos may eventually experience serious respiratory complications and other health problems.
Common symptoms associated with asbestos-related diseases include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained weight loss
Children may be especially vulnerable to environmental contaminants because their lungs and immune systems are still developing. Parents who believe their child may have inhaled material from a damaged recalled toy should monitor for respiratory symptoms and consider speaking with a medical professional.
Even if no symptoms are currently present, documenting potential asbestos exposure may become important later if health complications arise. Keeping records related to the recalled toy, including receipts, photographs, and medical evaluations, may help support future legal or medical claims.
What Should I Do if I Have a Recalled Orb Funkee Toy?
If you have a recalled Orb Funkee squeeze toy monkee, you should stop using it and take it away from your child immediately. Put it in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal it, then send a picture of the sealed bag with the monkee in it to customerservice@orbtoys.com. The company will issue you a refund for your purchase.
If the toy has broken open or leaked sand, consumers should take additional precautions while handling the material. Wearing gloves and a mask may help reduce potential exposure. A damp cloth should be used to collect spilled sand, as dry sweeping or vacuuming could spread particles into the air.
Consumers should follow local disposal regulations when discarding potentially contaminated materials.
Can Asbestos Exposure Cause Health Problems Years Later?
Yes. One of the dangers associated with asbestos exposure is that symptoms may not appear for years or even decades after exposure occurs.
Some people exposed to asbestos may not immediately experience symptoms, while others may later develop breathing problems, chest pain, chronic coughing, or more serious illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Because asbestos-related illnesses often develop slowly, documenting potential exposure early may become important later.
Can I Sue if My Child Was Exposed to Asbestos?
Parents may have legal options if their child was exposed to asbestos through a recalled consumer product.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure products sold to consumers, especially children’s products, are reasonably safe. If a company sells a contaminated or dangerous product, it may be held financially responsible for resulting injuries and damages through an asbestos lawsuit or a mass tort claim.
Compensation in an asbestos exposure claim may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical monitoring
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term treatment costs
How Can Ankin Law Help?
If you or your child may have been exposed to asbestos through a recalled Orb Funkee toy, Ankin Law can help you understand your legal rights.
Our product liability attorneys help families investigate exposure claims, preserve evidence, document damages, and pursue compensation from negligent manufacturers and other liable parties. Call Ankin Law at 312-600-0000 for a free consultation.
