Imagine your child’s favorite colorful sand art kit could pose a hidden danger. That’s the alarming reality for parents and educators in New Zealand right now. Two popular brands of children’s colored sand—Rainbow Sand by Educational Colours and colored sand by Creatistics—have been urgently recalled after lab tests revealed the presence of Tremolite, a naturally occurring form of asbestos found in quartz. But here’s where it gets even more concerning: this isn’t an isolated incident. Similar products in Australia have also tested positive for asbestos contamination, raising questions about the safety of materials we trust for creative play and learning.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) has issued a stark warning: stop using these products immediately. Ian Caplin, MBIE’s product safety spokesperson, emphasized, ‘We’re taking swift precautionary action while we assess the full extent of the risk.’ He urged anyone who’s purchased these products—whether for home, school, or other settings—to act without delay. ‘Contain the sand, store it safely, and arrange for professional disposal through licensed experts,’ Caplin advised. A list of these professionals is available on the WorkSafe website.
But here’s the part most people miss: Asbestos is a silent threat, linked to severe health risks like lung cancer and mesothelioma. While testing continues, Educational Colours has already issued a recall notice as a precautionary measure. MBIE is collaborating with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education, and WorkSafe to provide clear guidance for consumers and schools. The sand was sold at major retailers like Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, and online platforms, meaning its reach could be widespread.
What should you do if you have this sand?
1. Stop using it immediately.
2. Seal it in a container and store it away from people.
3. Do not throw it in the trash. WorkSafe strongly recommends hiring a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal. Details are available on their website.
4. Once secured, contact the supplier for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
For educational facilities, the stakes are even higher. If the sand is in use, evacuate the area, block it off, and avoid cleaning it up yourself. Instead, contact a licensed asbestos professional for immediate assistance. Don’t return to the area until experts confirm it’s safe. Schools should also notify the Ministry of Education about the situation and the steps they’ve taken.
Decontamination is critical. If you or anyone has been exposed, contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for personal decontamination. All clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste.
And this is where it gets controversial: How did such a hazardous material end up in children’s products? Shouldn’t there be stricter regulations to prevent this? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Share your concerns, experiences, or opinions—let’s spark a conversation about product safety and accountability.
For more details, visit rnz.co.nz.
