New Health Guidelines Released Following Discovery of Asbestos in Children's Play Sand

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Australia’s peak environmental health advisory body has issued fresh advice after trace amounts of asbestos were detected in children’s play sand products.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday issued a recall notice for the coloured sand products after laboratory testing detected traces of two types of naturally occurring asbestos.

The move prompted the ACT to close 15 schools and three preschools as a precaution. One school in Brisbane was also closed.

On Friday, the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) — which advises the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) on environmental health policy — issued interim advice about the products.

National regulatory bodies and various health organizations are working in tandem to ensure public safety and maintain consistent precautionary measures as the situation develops, according to recent guidelines.

“While further analysis is underway, regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimise any potential risk.”

The committee said education providers, retailers and families should stop using any identified products and follow recall and disposal instructions.

“Preliminary assessment indicates that there is a low risk to human health from these products,” it said.

“Based on the currently available information, we do not recommend any clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with these products.”

In cases where the sand remains in its original packaging, it is advised to place it inside a durable plastic bag, secure it with tape, and store it safely while awaiting further disposal instructions.

enHealth recommends cleaning up areas where the product has been used with wet cloths to avoid generating dust, and using gloves, a mask and disposable coveralls before storing the material in a secure location.

The advisory also suggests, “Whenever possible, keep children and others away from areas where the sand has been used until those areas have been thoroughly cleaned.”

Products included in this advisory are:

The recalled products — sold at retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art — include:

– Kadink Sand (1.3kg)

– Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)

– Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)

– Kadink Decorative Sand (10g 6 pack)

Plastic tubs of different coloured play sand

Australia’s consumer watchdog recently issues a recall notice for Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours — Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics — Coloured Sand (1kg). Source: Supplied / ACCC

Officeworks was a “major supplier” for the sand, the ACCC said, with the products sold in Australia between 2020 and 2025.

Asbestos, a hazardous material that can cause terminal diseases, has been banned in Australia since 2003 and is not allowed to be imported except in very limited circumstances.

Inhalation of asbestos can lead to an increased incidence of some respiratory diseases, including lung cancers.