Parents and caregivers across Australia are reeling from a distressing revelation — several popular children’s coloured sand products have been recalled due to contamination with tremolite asbestos, a dangerous and naturally occurring mineral. First announced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on November 12, 2025, the recall affects sensory sand brands widely used in homes, schools, and early learning centres.
If you are in doubt does your home or property has asbestos-containing materials and want to find out, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced team of professionals today on: 0475 143 106 or email us on: asbestosgoneandclean@gmail.com for safe, expert asbestos removal services you can trust!
The affected products include:
- Kadink Sand (1.3 kg)
- Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg)
- Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1 kg)
- Kadink 6-piece decorative sand packs
These items were sold nationally at major retailers such as Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art between 2020 and 2025. The supplier, Educational Colours, initiated the recall after laboratory tests revealed the presence of asbestos, prompting urgent safety alerts from government agencies and health departments across the country.
Why Asbestos in Children’s Products Is Especially Dangerous
Asbestos, banned in Australia since 2003, is a known carcinogen. When disturbed, it releases microscopic fibres into the air that can be inhaled and lodged deep in the lungs. In the case of contaminated sand, even simple activities like pouring, shaking, or playing can release airborne particles, creating an invisible but serious health risk.
Children are especially vulnerable. Their developing lungs are more susceptible to damage, and because asbestos-related diseases can take 20 to 60 years to manifest, early exposure dramatically increases the lifetime risk of illness. As Professor Brian Oliver from the University of Technology Sydney explains, the younger a person is at the time of exposure, the greater the likelihood they will develop conditions like cancer or asbestosis later in life.
Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Prolonged or repeated exposure to asbestos fibres is linked to severe health conditions, including:
- Asbestosis: Chronic lung scarring that causes breathing difficulties
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen
- Lung cancer: Particularly dangerous when combined with other risk factors like smoking
- Pleural disease: Thickening or fluid buildup around the lungs
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even minimal or one-time contact can be harmful, especially when particles become airborne. While the levels detected in the recalled sand are considered low-risk for immediate harm, the long-term implications cannot be ignored, making caution essential.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do Now
If you own any of the recalled products, follow these critical steps immediately:
- Stop using the sand and store it out of children’s reach.
- Avoid disturbing the product—do not open containers or pour or shake the sand.
- Wear protective gear including disposable gloves, a P2 mask, and safety goggles when handling it.
- Double-bag the product in heavy-duty (200-micron) plastic bags, seal tightly, and label as “asbestos waste.”
- Do not dispose of it in household bins or through regular waste collection.
- Contact the supplier for a refund via recalls@educationalvantage.com.
- Find a licensed disposal facility by using the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency’s disposal tool.
Protect Your Home with Professional Asbestos Services
Concerns about asbestos shouldn’t be faced alone. At Asbestos Gone and Clean, a fully licensed and experienced asbestos removal company based in Melbourne, Victoria, we specialise in keeping homes and workplaces safe. With rising incidents of asbestos in consumer products, professional testing and removal have never been more important.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Asbestos testing to detect hidden contamination
- Safe and compliant asbestos removal
- Full strip-outs for renovations or pre-demolition
- Demolition jobs managed under strict safety protocols
We follow all national safety standards to ensure your family’s environment is hazard-free.
Stay Safe, Stay Informed!
The recent sand recall is a sobering reminder that asbestos can appear in unexpected places. While immediate panic isn’t warranted, prompt and proper action is essential. If you’re in Melbourne or Victoria and need help testing or disposing of contaminated materials, contact Asbestos Gone and Clean today. Let expert, compassionate professionals protect your home and your family’s future.
If you are in doubt does your home or property has asbestos-containing materials and want to find out, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced team of professionals today on: 0475 143 106 or email us on: asbestosgoneandclean@gmail.com for safe, expert asbestos removal services you can trust!