Asbestos warning for rangoli powder
An AUT expert is calling on families to take care as they prepare to celebrate Diwali on 8 November, due to asbestos contamination in some rangoli powder.
Since January, five rangoli products sold in New Zealand have been found to contain the cancer-causing substance, and a total of 24 coloured sand products have been recalled. The same or similar products have also been recalled in Australia, Japan, the US, UK and across Europe.
- AUT expert warns against using coloured sand for rangoli.
- Since 2025, 24 coloured sand products have tested positive for cancer-causing asbestos.
- Ahead of Diwali, Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry urges people to check if they own recalled coloured sand or rangoli powder.
- She recommends only using sand products that have tested negative for asbestos.
Last week, the Education Review Office reported anearly learning service was temporarily closed after alerting authorities to potentially asbestos-contaminated rangoli powder.
Check for recalled products
AUT asbestos researcher Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry is warning people to check if they own any of the coloured sand products that have been recalled - particularly in the lead up to Diwali.
"Despite initial recall notices claiming the asbestos in these products was considered 'low risk', our research found airborne asbestos in 90 percent of the products we tested," Associate Professor Berry says.
"Although no specific rangoli products were tested for airborne asbestos, some were found to contain asbestos. No amount of exposure to asbestos is safe."
While inhaled asbestos fibres can lead to diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma, Associate Professor Berry says not all asbestos exposure will lead to a cancer diagnosis.
She recommends that people check whether any rangoli, craft sand or play sand products they own have been recalled via the productsafety.govt.nz website.
Only use products that have tested negative
She says the government is currently considering an unsafe goods notice for any sand products used by children that have not tested negative for asbestos.
“To remain safe, it is strongly recommended that you only buy sand products where the retailer can provide the results of a negative asbestos test,” Associate Professor Berry says.
Alternatives are available
Alternatives to craft sand products for making rangoli include powder made at home using rice and food colouring, or rangoli made with leaves and petals.
If you think you or your family have come into contact with asbestos-containing sand products, or for more information on the containment, disposal and clean-up of the products, visit the Health NZ website.