Coloured sand used for children’s play and crafts has tested positive for traces of tremolite asbestos, prompting recalls and temporary closures across Australia and New Zealand. Authorities say the risk of airborne fibres is low unless the sand is crushed, but advise owners to stop using the product and arrange licensed disposal. At least 15 schools and seven preschools in the ACT were fully closed, with further temporary shutdowns reported in New Zealand while licensed teams investigate and remediate. Affected products include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours — Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics — Coloured Sand (1kg).
Asbestos Detected in Children's Coloured Sand — Dozens of Schools in Australia and NZ Temporarily Close
Coloured sand used for children’s play and crafts has tested positive for traces of tremolite asbestos, prompting recalls and temporary closures across Australia and New Zealand. Authorities say the risk of airborne fibres is low unless the sand is crushed, but advise owners to stop using the product and arrange licensed disposal. At least 15 schools and seven preschools in the ACT were fully closed, with further temporary shutdowns reported in New Zealand while licensed teams investigate and remediate. Affected products include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours — Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics — Coloured Sand (1kg).
05:13 PM, 11/14/2025Health
Dozens of schools and early learning centres close after asbestos found in coloured sand
Dozens of schools and preschools across Australia and New Zealand have been fully or partially closed after laboratory testing found traces of tremolite asbestos in popular coloured sand products used for children's sensory play and crafts.
On Wednesday the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice after tests detected tremolite in some samples. The regulator said the likelihood of asbestos fibres becoming airborne or fine enough to inhale is low, but it "may still pose a risk" and owners should stop using the products.
"Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals," advised Ian Caplin, MBIE product safety spokesperson.
New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) echoed the advice and urged anyone with the sand to arrange disposal through licensed removal services; a list is available via WorkSafe. Educational Colours has issued a recall and testing in New Zealand is ongoing.
Where closures have occurred
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): At least 15 schools and seven preschools were fully closed, and six others partially closed as a precaution.
- Queensland: Reports of at least one school closure.
- New Zealand: Five early learning services and two schools temporarily closed while licensed teams investigate potential contamination.
The ACCC said respiratory asbestos fibres were not detected in the tested samples and that the release of respirable fibres from the sand is "unlikely" unless the material is processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising. Authorities stress that asbestos becomes harmful when tiny fibres are inhaled, which can damage the lungs and lead to illnesses including cancer.
Products and retailers
The affected products were imported from China and sold across Australia between 2020 and 2025 by several stationery suppliers, including Officeworks. The recall lists:
- Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
- Educational Colours — Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Creatistics — Coloured Sand (1kg)
MBIE said a voluntary recall is underway in New Zealand for EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg). Both Australian and New Zealand law prohibit the import or export of asbestos or goods that contain asbestos.
What parents, schools and caregivers should do
- Stop using the sand immediately.
- Contain and secure the product in a safe place—do not crush, sweep vigorously, or otherwise generate dust.
- Arrange for removal and disposal through licensed professionals; consult your local WorkSafe or MBIE guidance for approved contractors.
- If you suspect anyone has been exposed, contact your local health provider for advice; follow official updates from your school or local authority.
Authorities in both countries are continuing testing, tracking where the product was sold, and coordinating safe removal and remediation. Schools, parents and the public should follow guidance from the ACCC, MBIE, WorkSafe and local education departments for the latest information.