Asbestos found in colourful children’s sand sparks nationwide recall

Several children’s educational sand products have been recalled over concerns they may contain asbestos.

The Australian Consumer Competition Commission on Tuesday announced the recall for the products issued by supplier Educational Colours for colourful children’s sand products.

The products have been sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art.

The brightly coloured sand designed for children to play with and for educational purposes were sold throughout Australian between 2020 and 2025.

The products recalled are labelled as Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg).

The ACCC said they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing. Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia.

Customers who have the product have been urged not to 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.

“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said in a statement.

“When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as a wearing disposable gloves and a mask.”

Ms Lowe said Officeworks, a major provider of the products, said the products had been removed from sale.

“We expect they will take all the necessary steps to alert their customers,” Ms Lowe said.

“We continue to engage with suppliers and expect all to provide appropriate support to consumers including responding to queries, and providing advice about arranging a refund.”

Contact recalls@educationalvantage.com on disposal and for seeking a full refund.

New Zealand also issued a voluntary recall for the products on Wednesday.