Belgium has asked retailers to suspend sales of kinetic sand and similar children's play products while authorities test for possible asbestos contamination. Officials say no contaminated products have been found in Belgium so far and describe the measure as precautionary. Consumers are advised to keep sealed packages closed and to wipe loose sand with a damp cloth—vacuuming should be avoided. The move follows reports in Dutch media and earlier findings in Australia and New Zealand.
Belgium Urges Pause On Kinetic Sand Sales Amid Asbestos Concerns
An illustration picture shows play sand for children. The Belgian government called on businesses to suspend the sale of kinetic sand and other types commonly used for children's play amid concerns that the products may be contaminated with asbestos. Jonas Roosens/Belga/dpa
Belgian authorities have asked retailers to temporarily stop selling kinetic sand and similar sand-based toys while laboratory tests investigate possible asbestos contamination.
Precautionary Guidance: The country's public health agency advised that sealed packages already purchased should remain sealed. Loose sand should be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth; consumers are explicitly advised not to use vacuum cleaners, which can disperse fine fibres into the air.
Officials emphasised that no contaminated sand has been detected in Belgium to date. The suspension of sales is a precautionary measure while samples are analysed. The decision follows investigative reports in several Dutch media outlets that identified asbestos traces in samples of kinetic sand, and similar detections reported late last year in Australia and New Zealand.
Why This Can Happen
As the public health agency explained, contamination risk can depend on how and where sand is extracted. Natural asbestos deposits can occur in soils at quarries and sand mines; drilling or extraction can release asbestos fibres that may mix with sand destined for consumer products.
Health And Regulatory Context
Asbestos is tightly regulated across Europe because several forms are classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization (WHO). For that reason, any potential presence of asbestos in children's play products is treated cautiously.
What Parents And Retailers Should Do Now
- Keep purchased packages sealed until authorities confirm products are safe.
- Wipe up any loose sand with a damp cloth; avoid sweeping or vacuuming.
- Follow updates and instructions from Belgium's public health agency and retailers about testing results and next steps.
Authorities continue testing and will provide further guidance if contamination is confirmed or ruled out.
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