Two Further Coloured Sand Products Test Positive For Asbestos Contamination

Further testing has identified more coloured sand products have returned positive results for asbestos.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) received the positive test results following proactive testing that was done on coloured sand products available in New Zealand. One of these tests was done as part of the ongoing interagency response into potential asbestos contamination in play sand products, with the other test commissioned independently.

“The testing confirms that several samples have returned positive results for asbestos contamination,” says Ian Caplin, MBIE Product Safety Spokesperson.

“We are working closely with suppliers, and those linked to positive test results have initiated product recalls.”

The following products are being recalled:

• Rainbow Sand Art Toy – approximately 800 units have been sold at various discount stores nationwide.
• Craft Sand 380g – approximately 500 units have been sold at various discount stores nationwide.

“We know this is worrying anyone who may have come into contact with these products. Our advice is that people stop using them immediately and follow the relevant advice for safe containment and disposal.

For people at home, please check the Health New Zealand website for the latest public health advice for households.

For schools, and early learning service leaders, refer to the to the step-by-step guide available on the Ministry of Education’s website for key actions to be taken when the product is found in a learning facility, and all businesses can refer to the Worksafe website for relevant information on how to safely dispose of these products.

“Our priority right now is to continue the existing interagency response and sharing and acting upon any further test results we receive,” says Mr Caplin.

Testing of other play sands available in New Zealand is ongoing, and we are aware that some businesses are conducting their own independent tests for asbestos contamination.

If a positive test result is found indicating asbestos in a play sand product, please send a copy of the test reports to recalls@mbie.govt.nz so that we can facilitate the recall process with the supplier and retailers. Any further recalls will be published on the Product Safety website.

Note:

What households should do:

• Stop using these products immediately.
• Do not touch or play with the sand.
• Follow the specialist advice on safe containment, removal and disposal.
  • For households this advice can be found on Health NZ’s website: https://info.health.nz/asbestos-in-sand

What workplaces including schools and early learning centres should do:

• Stop using these products immediately.
• Do not touch or play with the sand.
• Follow the specialist advice on safe containment, removal and disposal.
  • For educational facilities this advice can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education.govt.nz/news/asbestos-coloured-sand
  • For other workplaces follow WorkSafe’s advice: www.worksafe.govt.nz/asbestos-in-coloured-sand/

Further Information

• Recall details are available on the Product Safety New Zealand website, including a full list of retailers.
• MBIE is working with WorkSafe, Ministry of Education, Te Whatu Ora, and retailers.

Contact details for public:

If you, or someone you know, has used the product, there is no need for urgent medical attention. Please discuss any health concerns with Healthline, by calling 0800 611 116 (anytime) who will advise you or someone you know needs to see a healthcare professional for review.

WorkSafe, if the product is in a workplace - 0800 030 040 (8.30 am – 5.00 pm

Monday to Thursday, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Friday)

Product Safety, for questions about product recalls - 0508 426 678 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm)

Ministry of Education, for schools and early learning centres - 0800 323 323 (available 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.)

A total of four recalls have now been issued for coloured sand products:

• Rainbow Sand Art Toy- sold at various discount stores nationwide – Product Safety New Zealand
• Craft Sand 380g – Product Safety New Zealand
• 14 piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand - sold at Kmart – Product Safety New Zealand
• Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand and Creatistics - Coloured Sand - Various Colours – Product Safety New Zealand

Please find previous MBIE releases on sand recalls here:

• Recall of EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1.3kg) due to potential asbestos contamination
• Recall expanded: samples of Kmart Magic Sand products found to contain asbestos

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