WorkSafe Tasmania is aware that certain decorative and coloured sand products, commonly used for arts and crafts and sensory play, have been found to contain asbestos fibres
Affected products include, but may not be limited to:
- Kadink Sand (1.3 kg)
- Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg)
- Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1 kg)
- Kadink Decorative Sand (6 x 10g).
These products are believed to have been sold nationally, including Tasmania, between approximately 2020 and 2025. While all suppliers have yet to be identified, the ACCC has published a recall notice and a list of retailers who sold the products, along with photographs to help identify affected products.
Laboratory testing has identified asbestos fibres in some samples of these products. Investigations are ongoing to determine the risk that the asbestos contamination may present. Not all coloured sand products are affected - please contact your supplier for confirmation.
Risks associated with asbestos
Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia, and inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres has been linked to serious health outcomes including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
While the immediate risk from intact, unopened products may be low, disturbing the sand (by crushing, heavy handling, or use in enclosed areas) increases the potential for fibre release and exposure.
‘The safety of children, workers, and the community is our absolute priority. While the immediate risk from these decorative sand products appears to be low, precautionary action is necessary, says Brad Parker, Work Health and Safety Regulator.
‘We are acting to protect the public, to ensure safe disposal of affected materials, and to prevent any ongoing exposure to this hazardous product. We urge all consumers, schools and services to treat this situation seriously and follow the safety advice provided.’
WorkSafe Tasmania is working with national and state/territory regulators, product suppliers and educational institutions to ensure that:
- The identified products are removed from sale and recalled.
- Institutions (schools, early childhood services, craft centres) check stock, quarantine any suspect product and follow safe handling/disposal procedures.
- Consumers are informed about what to do if they have purchased these products and how to dispose of them safely.
Investigations are underway to determine the full scale of the contamination, origins of the product, supply-chain oversight, and to prevent future occurrences.
What households should do
If you have purchased or hold any of the affected sand products, you should:
- Stop using the product immediately. Do not allow children or others to play with or handle it further.
- Wear protective gear (disposable gloves, P2-rated mask, protective eyewear) when handling the product or preparing it for disposal.
- Double-bag the sand (use heavy-duty plastic bags), tape it securely, label it with a warning ’Contains Asbestos – Do Not Open’, and keep it out of reach of children.
- Do not dispose of the product in general waste bins. Contact your local council’s hazardous waste facility or the relevant asbestos disposal site. You can find a list of asbestos disposal facilities on the Australian Government’s Asbestos Safety website.
If the product has already been used, you should:
- cease use of the product immediately
- quarantine the affected area
- do not sweep or vacuum the sand
- engage a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist to conduct clearance and air-monitoring. Visit WorkSafe Tasmania’s website to find a licensed asbestos removalist or assessor in Tasmania.
For any health concerns related to past use, consult a medical or occupational health specialist. While the risk may be low, no level of asbestos exposure is considered completely safe.
Duty Holders
If you are a duty holder (employer / PCBU) under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 and you have used or store any of the affected sand products, you should:
- Treat the material as asbestos-contaminated until proven otherwise.
- Immediately isolate the product and prevent access to the area.
- Arrange for qualified inspection, sampling, remediation and clearance by an independent licensed asbestos assessor / licensed asbestos removalist. Based on the asbestos type and risk profile, any subsequent removal or remediation works must be undertaken as guided by the licensed person.
WorkSafe Tasmania continues to work with educational, childcare and craft industries to raise awareness of risks associated with these imported decorative and play products containing asbestos.
We are also assisting duty holders in the safe management, disposal and remediation of the contaminated sand products. As the impact will vary between schools, childcare centres and other organisations depending on their situation, advice and information should be sourced directly from these organisations in the first instance.
WorkSafe Tasmania continues to work with other regulators to trace supply chains, identify other affected products and enforce compliance where appropriate.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Supporting Resources
ACCC consumer product recalls
(Please note: Affected products may not be limited to those listed)