Children's Play Sand Products Withdrawn Over Asbestos Contamination Fears
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued an urgent recall notice for several brands of children's coloured sand products amid concerns they may contain dangerous asbestos fibres. The affected items were sold through multiple major retailers across Australia, including Officeworks, since 2020.
The recall encompasses 1.3kg versions of Kadink Sand and Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, along with 1kg packages of Creatistics Coloured Sand products. Officeworks has additionally recalled KD Plain Sand (1.3kg), KD Magic Sand (2kgs) in natural and purple varieties, and Kadink six-piece decorative sand sets.
Testing Reveals Microscopic Asbestos Contamination
Officeworks initiated the recall after commissioning an accredited laboratory to test various Kadink sand products supplied by Educational Colours. The testing identified the presence of microscopic tremolite asbestos fibres within the products.
All recalled sand products were manufactured in China and predominantly supplied by the art materials company Educational Colours. The exception was the Kadink decorative sand, which was supplied by Australian wholesaler Shamrock Australia.
Asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003 due to its hazardous nature, which can cause terminal diseases. Importation of asbestos is prohibited except in extremely limited circumstances.
Safety Precautions and Consumer Advice
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe has issued clear instructions for consumers who possess any of the recalled products. Customers should immediately cease using the sand and place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, securely sealed with double tape, keeping it well away from children.
"In an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as wearing disposable gloves and a mask when handling the product," Lowe advised.
The regulator emphasised that suppliers must provide appropriate support to consumers, including responding to queries and facilitating refund procedures.
Despite the concerning discovery, Officeworks stated that an independent risk assessment found "no identifiable safety hazard" relating to the products. Nevertheless, Educational Colours voluntarily recalled the items as a precautionary measure.
Expert Reassurance and Ongoing Concerns
Associate Professor Anthony Linton from the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute sought to reassure parents whose children may have been exposed to the products. "We can offer the reassurance that the risk is likely to be low, but it reinforces the danger and why these things should be tested," he commented.
Professor Linton noted that while there's no specific test for future asbestos-related diseases, concerned parents could seek advice from their local doctor. He highlighted that approximately 4,500 Australians die each year from asbestos-related diseases, underscoring that no level of exposure is considered safe.
Barry Robson, president of the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, expressed concern that these products had "slipped through the cracks" and advocated for more rigorous testing of imports that could potentially contain asbestos.
The affected products were sold nationwide between 2020 and 2025 through various retailers including Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art. Both the ACCC and Officeworks have declined to comment on when exactly the testing occurred or whether it was prompted by specific consumer concerns.
