November 14 2025

Coloured Sand Recall – Absestos Contamination

Shortly after 3pm (AEST) on Wednesday 12 November, the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) issued an alert about potential asbestos contamination in specific brands of coloured sand. The alert included a voluntary recall of certain products, published on the New Zealand Government’s Product Safety website. The alert advised that independent testing in Australia had found asbestos in similar sand products sold locally.

What you need to know:

  • Products are: Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg) and Kadink – Sand (1.3kg). Both products are currently listed on the ACCC recalls page: Creatistics and Kadink.
  • Testing has confirmed that the recalled products may contain tremolite asbestos.
  • The likelihood of exposure to airborne fibres is very low when the products are used as intended, as respiratory asbestos has not been detected in any tested samples, and release of fibres is unlikely unless the sand is mechanically processed (e.g., crushed or pulverised).
  • While the risk of any asbestos becoming airborne or fine enough for inhalation is considered low, it may still pose a potential health risk.
  • This matter is being investigated by the relevant authorities to establish the full details and resolve the situation.

What to do if you bought, own or have used the sand products:

As a precaution, consumers are encouraged to stop using the products and follow the safe disposal guidance provided on the ACCC website, including:

      1. Stop using the products immediately.
      2. Place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children.
      3. Do not dispose of the product in general waste. Information on the disposal of asbestos waste, including disposal facilities in your state or territory can be found on The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.
      4. Contact recalls@educationalvantage.com for guidance around disposal and seeking a full refund.

What to do if you need more information:

If you are unsure about what to do or want to speak with someone directly, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at via email at info@addri.org.au or via phone at 02 9767 9800.

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