Parents have been advised to cease using a widely popular children’s sand kit over concerns it could contain asbestos, following the recent recall of similar products.

The Sand Castle Building Set, a 14-piece collection available at Kmart and Target stores as well as online, has been pulled from shelves after laboratory tests revealed traces of asbestos in certain samples of its colored sand.

This kit, which comes in transparent, blue, green, and pink containers, has gained popularity for use in sensory play and beach activities among children.

Kmart issued a statement saying, “The product is being recalled due to the potential presence of asbestos, which is banned in Australia.”

The statement further instructed, “Cease using the products immediately.”

It was also noted that the tested samples did not contain any respirable asbestos fibers, which are the hazardous types that pose inhalation risks.

However, the risk remains if the sand is crushed or pulverised by mechanical means.

‘The release of respirable asbestos fibres is unlikely to occur in its current state,’ the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said. 

The 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set (pictured), sold at Kmart and Target, has been recalled

Kmart is the latest to recall the sand kit, which was recalled earlier this week after being sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art 

‘However, the risk that any asbestos found could become airborne is low but not zero.’

The batches sold at Kmart included 42975724 (clear container), 42304364 (blue), 42919650 (green) and 42304371 (pink). Target sold batch 69581984.

Kmart is the latest Australian store to recall the sand kit, which was recalled earlier this week after being sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art from January 1, 2020 to October 31, 2025.

The stores also recalled batches of Creatistics Coloured Sand 1 kg and Kadink Sand 1.3kg.

The notices prompted WorkSafe ACT to issue a stern warning instructing Australians not to disturb or use the sand kits. 

‘Isolate the product. Carefully double wrap the sand, its container, and any related materials in 200-micron plastic bags, seal securely with tape, and clearly label the package as asbestos waste,’ they said. 

Customers are urged not to dispose of the product in general waste but instead take it to an approved disposal facility.

Information on the disposal of asbestos waste, including disposal facilities in your state or territory, can be found here.

The product is one of three brands to have had their products recalled over fears they had traces of asbestos in them,  a prohibited substance in Australia

The crisis also escalated further on Friday when 15 primary schools and three preschools in the ACT were abruptly closed.

Traces of chrysotile asbestos were found in coloured sand used for craft and sensory play in the schools, the territory’s education department said. 

‘While WorkSafe ACT has identified the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low, the safety of our schools is our highest priority,’ the department said. 

Testing will be carried out at affected schools during the closures. 

Asbestos-contaminated mulch prompted the closure of schools, hospitals and parks in Sydney in 2024 while historic dumping and legacy contamination were blamed for traces found at parks in Melbourne’s west.