Overview
- The ACCC recalled Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) sold nationally from 2020 to 2025 at retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art.
- Fifteen Canberra public schools closed and several others partially closed to enable testing and remediation after traces of chrysotile were detected in Kadink Decorative Sand used for sensory play and art.
- New Zealand issued a parallel precautionary recall, and the Ministry of Education says about 60 schools and early learning services have reported possible use and are being assessed.
- Regulators advise stopping use immediately, sealing and labeling the sand as asbestos waste, avoiding general rubbish disposal, and arranging licensed removal, with risk of airborne fibres considered low unless the sand is mechanically processed.
- Officeworks removed affected stock and says an independent assessment found no identifiable safety hazard, while Educational Colours and the retailer initiated voluntary recalls, with Officeworks also recalling additional Kadink decorative and magic/plain sand lines.