Asbestos in kids’ play sand
AUT asbestos expert Dr Terri Ann Berry, an Associate Professor at the School of Future Environments, spoke to the Science Media Centre about asbestos contamination of coloured sand products:
“Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which was mined extensively because the microscopic fibres added strength as well as high resistance to heat and acid. It has been estimated to have been used in over 3000 different types of product – many of which were used in buildings.
“There are six different types of asbestos fibre and all can cause cancers, including lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the body organs). They can also cause other diseases such as asbestosis, which is due to lung scarring and linked to continual long-term exposure.
“There is a time period between when you are exposed to asbestos and the development of any related disease (called the latency period) which is usually between 15 and 40 years. This means that the impact of exposure is highly unlikely to be detected in the short term.
“This is an incredibly distressing situation and I can totally understand why parents would be very concerned. Asbestos (like tobacco smoke or radiation) has no safe level and therefore we try to avoid exposure. However, it is important to know that not every exposure episode will lead to the development of cancer.
“If anyone would like to talk further, the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust (MSAA Trust) (of which I am current Chair) is there to help.”
As of 20 November 2025, the affected products are:
- EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) – previously recalled
- Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) – previously recalled
- Four magic sand products sold at Kmart NZ:
- 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724)
- Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364)
- Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650)
- Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371)
Links to official advice on the affected products
- Health New Zealand on how to clean up and dispose of the sand
- Ministry of Education advice on asbestos in coloured sand
- MBIE recall notice and advice