Overview
- The ACCC expanded recalls to Kmart and Target items — an Active Sandtub 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and blue, green and pink Magic Sand — after earlier recalls of Kadink, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand sold since 2020 and manufactured in China.
- ACT authorities audited all public schools, finding the recalled sand in 69 sites and small isolated stocks in three more, and closed more than 70 schools for inspection, air testing and licensed remediation that may take days.
- Air monitoring in ACT schools has so far returned negative results for airborne asbestos, and national health advice states that respirable fibres have not been detected in tested samples and the immediate inhalation risk is low.
- Safe disposal guidance instructs schools and families to stop using the products, double-bag and secure packaged sand, keep it away from children, and engage licensed asbestos removalists for loose material rather than placing it in general waste.
- The issue is widespread: South Australia has identified about 130 education sites with the products (around 20 with loose sand), WA reported 76 schools purchased recalled sand without ordering closures, and several New Zealand schools closed as hundreds of sites sought advice.