Play Sand Products Containing Asbestos Recalled in Australia and New Zealand

Last November 12, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) published a recall notice from supplier Educational Colours regarding play sand products that were found to contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos.

The products are used by children for art and craft activities or sensory play. “The products may cause a risk to health,” the ACCC warned, advising the public to “stop using the products immediately”.

“Although there have been early indications that the risk of exposure is low, it is important to take precautions with all potential exposures,” it explained.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) also announced that a recall is underway of some of the play sand products sold locally due to potential asbestos contamination.

In the Philippines, toxics watchdog group Ecowaste Coalition has urged authorities to test play sand products sold. Exposure to asbestos, a hazardous chemical, can cause serious long-term health problems, the group cautioned.

“In the interest of children’s safety, we urge the FDA to conduct an immediate analysis of play sand products being sold in toy stores and assure the public that such products do not pose potential exposure to asbestos,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition.

“Pending the conduct of asbestos analysis, we appeal to toy stores, including those online, to temporarily stop the sale of children’s play sands until such time their manufacturers, importers or distributors have made available verifiable certificates of analysis confirming their products are free of any asbestos,” she said.