Toys“R”Us Recalls Clay Craft Kits Due to Risk of Mold Exposure; Sold at Babies“R”Us and Toys“R”Us

What was recalled

In late November of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving popular children’s craft supplies. The products at the center of this notice were the "totally me!" clay craft kits. These items were marketed toward young artists and hobbyists, offering a comprehensive set of materials for creating sculpted figures and designs. If you have an old craft box sitting in a closet or drawer from that era, it is important to check whether it matches the specific details outlined below, as these particular units are no longer safe for use.

The recall specifically targets kits bearing the "totally me!" brand logo, which is printed prominently on the front of the packaging. To help consumers identify the exact items involved, the CPSC provided a precise model number: AD11244. This unique identifier is printed directly on the bottom of the box. If your kit does not have this specific model number, it may not be part of this particular recall batch, but it is always wise to verify the packaging details carefully.

These craft kits were sold exclusively at Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us retail locations during a specific window leading up to the recall date. The official recall announcement was made on November 29, 2017. While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold or the precise start date of sales, it confirms that these kits were widely distributed through those two major retail chains during the period preceding late November 2017.

To help you visualize what you might have, each kit contained a complete set of tools and materials. Inside the box, you would find two bricks of air-dry clay, along with two bricks of acrylic paint for coloring your creations. The set also included essential sculpting supplies: one paintbrush, three sculpting tools, a plastic rolling pin, a sponge, two texture rollers, and a plastic clay cutting tool. Additionally, the kit came with a 19.5-inch by 15.25-inch instructional work mat to provide a clean surface for your projects, as well as a 12-inch ribbon for finishing touches or hanging your finished art. If your box contains this exact combination of items and bears the model number AD11244, it is part of the recalled group.

The hazard, explained

When you open a clay craft kit, you expect to find clean, pliable material ready for creativity. However, in this specific recall involving the "totally me!" air-dry acrylic paint kits, that expectation is met with a hidden biological risk: mold. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in environments where moisture and organic matter meet. In the context of these recalled craft kits, the clay itself served as the perfect medium for fungal growth. Even if the product appeared dry on the surface or was packaged in sealed plastic, microscopic spores may have been introduced during manufacturing or storage, or moisture may have penetrated the packaging over time. Once established, these spores multiply rapidly, turning the clay into a reservoir for airborne particles.

The danger here is not that the clay will burn you or explode; it is that breathing in or touching mold can trigger serious health reactions. When mold grows on the clay, it releases tiny reproductive units called spores and, in some cases, volatile organic compounds into the air. When a child (or adult) handles the kit, these spores can become airborne. Inhaling these particles is the primary mechanism of injury. For most healthy individuals, occasional exposure to small amounts of mold might cause mild irritation, such as a scratchy throat or watery eyes. However, the risk escalates significantly for those with sensitivities or underlying health conditions.

The CPSC notes that this hazard poses a specific risk of respiratory or other infections. This happens because mold spores can lodge in the lungs and sinuses, causing inflammation. For people with compromised immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, living with HIV, or taking immunosuppressant medications after an organ transplant—the body cannot fight off these fungal invaders effectively. Similarly, individuals with damaged lungs, such as those with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have reduced lung capacity and clearance mechanisms. For them, mold exposure can lead to severe infections like aspergillosis, which can be life-threatening. Additionally, for anyone with a known allergy to mold, contact with the contaminated clay can trigger acute allergic reactions, ranging from skin rashes and hives to severe asthma attacks.

It is important to understand that even though no injuries have been reported in this specific batch of recalls as of the November 2017 announcement, the potential for harm is real and cumulative. The three reports of mold found in the clay confirm that the contamination was not isolated but systemic across the affected inventory. By stopping use immediately, you are preventing the growth of new colonies and reducing the concentration of spores in your home environment. This is a preventive measure against a biological hazard that does not announce itself with pain until it has already taken hold.

Who is most at risk

While this recall involves a toy marketed toward children, the primary health concerns associated with mold exposure are not limited to young users. The Clay Craft Kits in question contain air-dry acrylic materials that can harbor mold growth, creating an environment where harmful spores may accumulate over time. Understanding who is most vulnerable to these risks requires looking at both the nature of the product and individual health profiles.

The hazard described in this recall specifically highlights individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs, or allergies to mold. For people with weakened immune systems—such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals with conditions like HIV/AIDS—the body’s natural defenses against fungal spores are significantly diminished. Even a small amount of mold exposure that might cause a mild reaction in a healthy person can lead to serious, invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals. These infections can affect not just the respiratory system but potentially spread to other parts of the body, requiring intensive medical intervention.

Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions or damaged lung tissue are also at heightened risk. Conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis mean that the lungs are already under stress or have reduced capacity to clear irritants. Inhaling mold spores from the recalled clay can trigger severe respiratory distress, exacerbate existing symptoms, or lead to secondary infections like bronchitis or pneumonia. The delicate tissues in compromised lungs are more susceptible to inflammation and damage when exposed to fungal contaminants.

Those with known mold allergies face a different but equally serious category of risk. For allergic individuals, exposure to mold spores can provoke intense immune responses, including severe sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rashes. In more severe cases, it can trigger asthma attacks or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate emergency care. Even if the user is not directly handling the clay, airborne spores released during play or storage can be inhaled, making proximity to the product dangerous.

Children, while often the intended users of "totally me!" craft kits, are also a sensitive group. Their developing immune systems and respiratory tracts may be more easily affected by environmental irritants than those of adults. Although no injuries have been reported in this specific recall, the potential for respiratory irritation or allergic reaction remains a valid concern for young users, especially if they have any underlying health sensitivities. Parents and caregivers should consider these factors carefully when deciding whether to allow use of craft materials that may not be stored in ideal conditions.

In summary, the most at-risk individuals include those with weakened immune defenses, pre-existing lung damage or disease, mold allergies, and children with sensitive respiratory systems. If you or anyone in your household falls into these categories, it is crucial to treat this recall with utmost seriousness and remove the product from your home immediately.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you have a "totally me!" clay craft kit sitting on your shelf or tucked away in a closet, it is important to verify whether it falls under this specific recall before taking any further action. Because these kits were sold at major retail locations, they can look very similar to other art supplies you might own. To determine if your kit is part of the recalled batch, you need to look for several distinct physical markers and packaging details that are unique to this product line.

The most immediate way to identify the product is by looking at the front of the box. The brand name "totally me!" should be clearly printed on the front. This logo serves as the primary visual identifier for this specific line of craft supplies distributed under the Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us brands. If you have a kit with this logo, it is a strong indicator that you may have one of the affected items, but you must check additional details to be certain.

Next, turn the box over or look at the bottom of the packaging. The model number is critical for confirmation. You are looking specifically for the model number AD11244 printed on the bottom of the box. This alphanumeric code is the definitive identifier used by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to track this recall. If your kit has a different model number, it is likely not part of this specific safety notice. However, if you see AD11244, you have the recalled item.

You can also verify the contents of the kit to ensure it matches the description of the recalled product. The "totally me!" clay craft kits contain a specific set of tools and materials designed for air-dry sculpting. Inside the box, you should find two bricks of air dry acrylic paint, a paintbrush, three sculpting tools, a plastic rolling pin, a sponge, a 19.5" x 15.25" instructional work mat, two texture rollers, a plastic clay cutting tool, and a 12" ribbon. If your kit matches this inventory exactly, it confirms the product type.

Finally, consider where and when you purchased the item. This recall applies to kits sold at Babies"R"Us and Toys"R"Us stores. If you bought the kit from these retailers around the time of the recall announcement on November 29, 2017, it is highly probable that your kit is included in this safety notice. By checking the logo on the front, the model number AD11244 on the bottom, and verifying the contents against the list above, you can confidently determine if your craft kit needs to be returned.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that you possess one of the recalled "totally me!" clay craft kits, the good news is that the remedy for this situation is straightforward and entirely consumer-friendly. The manufacturer, Toys"R"Us, has committed to resolving this issue without costing you a dime. Specifically, they are offering two clear paths for resolution: a full refund of your purchase price or store credit. It is important to note that because the hazard involves biological contamination—mold growth within the clay itself—the remedy does not include repair or replacement with new product. You cannot simply send the clay back to be sanitized or receive a fresh kit in exchange. The only valid options are getting your money back or receiving credit toward future purchases at their retail locations.

To initiate this process, you do not need to go through a complex claims portal or wait for an email approval. Instead, the recall instructions direct you to take immediate physical action. You should bring the recalled craft kit directly to any Babies"R"Us or Toys"R"Us store. The company has authorized these physical retail locations to handle the returns and process the refunds on the spot. This is a significant convenience for consumers, as it eliminates the need for shipping hazardous materials back to a warehouse. By returning the item in person, you can typically receive your refund immediately via the original method of payment or as cash/store credit, depending on your preference and the store's policy.

If you are unable to visit a physical store, or if you prefer to handle the communication digitally first, you have dedicated contact channels available. You can reach out to Toys"R"Us directly by calling their consumer hotline at 800-869-7787. When you call, please be prepared to do so during their specified business hours, which are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. This ensures that you will speak with a representative who is empowered to assist you with the recall process. Additionally, for those who prefer self-service information, you can visit the official website at www.toysrus.com. Navigate to the "Product Recalls" section on the homepage to find detailed instructions and any updates regarding the return process.

When you prepare to return the item, it helps to have your proof of purchase handy, such as a receipt or credit card statement, although the recall terms generally prioritize consumer convenience. The key takeaway is that the barrier to entry for getting your remedy is low. Whether you choose the refund or the store credit depends on your personal shopping habits. If you are a loyal customer of these brands, store credit might be appealing. However, if you prefer not to spend more money at these retailers, a full cash refund is your right. Do not hesitate to exercise this option; the goal of the recall is to remove the hazard from your home and restore your financial position as if the defective product had never been sold.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to toss out a craft kit that still looks and feels perfectly fine. The clay may not have visible signs of spoilage, and the box might look undamaged on the shelf in your closet or under the Christmas tree. However, ignoring this recall carries specific health risks that go beyond simple disappointment. The core issue here is not the clay’s structural integrity or its ability to hold a shape; it is the biological reality of mold growth within a moist, organic medium.

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp environments. When it grows on surfaces like air-dry clay, it releases microscopic spores and fragments into the surrounding air. Even if you do not see fuzzy patches or smell a musty odor immediately, these invisible particles are likely present. Inhaling these spores is the primary pathway for exposure. For most healthy individuals, occasional low-level exposure to common household molds might result in nothing more than a mild, temporary irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat. However, this situation is not about mild irritation for everyone.

The serious consequences arise when you continue to use the product and inadvertently create a concentrated source of allergens and irritants in your home environment. The CPSC notes that mold exposure can pose a risk of respiratory infections or other illnesses. If you have a compromised immune system, damaged lungs, or a known allergy to mold, breathing in these spores over time can trigger significant health issues. This could manifest as severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or fungal infections in the lungs and sinuses. These are not hypothetical scenarios; they are documented medical outcomes of prolonged exposure to indoor mold contamination.

You might wonder if the risk is limited only to the person using the clay. While the user faces the highest direct risk by handling the material and breathing in spores up close, mold spores can also settle on other surfaces in the room or become airborne throughout the house. This means that family members, particularly children who play on floors where dust settles, or individuals with severe respiratory conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis, could be affected by secondhand exposure.

To date, the company has received three reports of mold being found in these kits, but no injuries have been reported. This silence is not a guarantee of safety; it simply means that severe health outcomes have not yet been documented in this specific batch. Ignoring the recall relies on the hope that you will get lucky with your immune response. Given that mold growth can be unpredictable and rapid depending on humidity levels in your home, relying on luck is a dangerous gamble. Continuing to use the kit keeps a potential source of infection active in your living space, unnecessarily endangering your health and the health of those around you.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a particular batch of craft supplies, the underlying issue—mold exposure in home environments—is a common challenge that affects many households, especially those with young children or individuals who are more sensitive to environmental allergens. Mold thrives in damp, warm, and poorly ventilated areas, making it essential to understand how to create a healthy living space for everyone, particularly those with compromised immune systems or respiratory conditions. By adopting proactive habits around moisture control and product maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of mold growth not just in craft kits, but throughout your home.

The first line of defense against mold is moisture management. Since mold requires water to grow, keeping indoor humidity levels below 50% is crucial. You can achieve this by using dehumidifiers in basements or humid climates, ensuring that bathrooms are well-ventilated with exhaust fans during and after showers, and promptly fixing any leaks in roofs, windows, or plumbing. When working with materials like the air-dry clay involved in this recall, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage. If a product is opened but not immediately used, ensure it is sealed in an airtight container to prevent moisture from entering. Never store craft supplies in damp areas like garages or unfinished basements unless they are climate-controlled.

Regular inspection of household items is another vital practice. Many consumer products, especially those made of organic materials or containing water-based components, can become breeding grounds for mold if not maintained properly. Make it a habit to check the condition of stored goods periodically. Look for any signs of discoloration, unusual odors, or swelling in packaging. If you notice any of these indicators, discard the item immediately and clean the storage area with appropriate cleaners. This proactive approach helps prevent minor issues from becoming major health hazards.

Additionally, staying informed about product safety is part of being a responsible consumer. Sign up for recall alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subscribe to newsletters from trusted safety organizations. This way, you can quickly respond to any new recalls and take appropriate action before any potential harm occurs. Remember, your health and safety are paramount, and small steps in prevention can make a big difference in maintaining a safe home environment.

• Monitor Humidity: Use hygrometers to track indoor humidity levels and adjust accordingly.
• Ventilate Properly: Ensure adequate airflow in rooms where moisture is generated, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• Inspect Regularly: Check stored items for signs of damage or mold growth at least once a month.
• Stay Informed: Follow official safety channels for updates on product recalls and safety advisories.

By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you not only protect yourself from the specific risks associated with recalled products but also create a safer, healthier environment for your family. Remember, prevention is always easier than remediation, so take the time to prioritize safety in all aspects of your home.