Australia’s consumer watchdog has issued an urgent recall for several children’s coloured sand products after testing detected traces of tremolite asbestos, prompting warnings to immediately stop use and safely contain the material.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published the recall on Nov. 12, confirming that multiple brands of bright craft and play sand—sold widely at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art—may contain the prohibited substance.
The products, marketed for classroom and home activities, include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg). They were on sale nationally between 2020 and 2025.
Laboratory testing found tremolite asbestos in some samples, prompting supplier Educational Colours to initiate the recall.
Asbestos has been banned in Australia for two decades and is considered a serious health hazard.
Health Risks and Safety Advice
While illness from asbestos exposure often develops after long-term contact, inhaling fibres can damage lung tissue and increase the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Symptoms typically take decades to appear, but authorities stressed that asbestos must be handled with extreme care, particularly around children.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe urged households and educators to act immediately.
“Anyone who has these products should stop using them straight away,” Lowe said.
“Place the sand into a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-tape it securely, and keep it well out of children’s reach. As a precaution, wear disposable gloves and a mask when handling it.”
Lowe said Officeworks had already pulled the items from shelves and begun notifying customers.
“We expect all suppliers to support consumers, respond to queries and assist with refunds,” she said.
The watchdog has asked consumers not to dispose of the sand in general waste bins. Instead, they should seek information on asbestos-handling facilities in their area.
New Zealand Issues Parallel Warning
The recall has prompted similar action across the Tasman. New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) released its own precautionary alert, with testing underway to determine whether locally sold products are affected.
“We are taking immediate precautionary action while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product,” said MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin.
He urged parents, educators, and workplaces to “stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals,” directing consumers to disposal guidance provided by WorkSafe New Zealand.
Although New Zealand’s testing is ongoing, the supplier has already issued a local recall following confirmation of contamination in similar products in Australia.
The ACCC said it will continue monitoring the situation and update its recall notice as new information becomes available.
