Six coloured sand products recalled in New Zealand after testing in Australia found asbestos in similar items
Multiple schools have temporarily closed in New Zealand and hundreds of education facilities are seeking advice from officials after asbestos was detected in several brands of widely used coloured play sand.
Last week, the ministry for business, innovation and employment confirmed a voluntary recall was under way for two brands of coloured sand sold in New Zealand, after testing in Australia found asbestos in similar products.
The recall was expanded on Saturday, after the faculty of asbestos management of Australia and New Zealand identified tremolite asbestos in four additional sand products – the 14-piece sandcastle building set and the blue, green and pink Magic Sand sets – sold at major retailer, Kmart.
“Testing of a range of similar products is under way, so at this point we cannot say for certain if these are the only products that are contaminated,” said Ian Caplin, the ministry’s product safety spokesperson said on Saturday.
