Several brands of coloured sand have been recalled after testing identified potential asbestos contamination. The recalled products have been widely available through major retailers including Officeworks, Coles and Woolworths.
The affected brands are:
- Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg)
- Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Kadink Decorative Sand (10g) – 6 pack
- Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
The products have been recalled because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing. Importantly, respirable asbestos fibres have not been detected in any of the tested samples. The release of respirable asbestos fibres from the sand is considered unlikely in its current state, unless the sand is processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising. While the risk that any asbestos found is likely to be airborne or fine enough for inhalation is low, it may still pose a potential health risk.
As a precautionary measure, Aspect has removed all coloured sand products from its schools.
The advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is that the products should be handled carefully using gloves and a mask, sealed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-taped and kept out of reach of children.
Aspect remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff and is working closely with local state and territory government authorities to ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.
For more information, visit the ACCC website: Customers warned of recalled children’s sand due to asbestos risks | ACCC
