Asbestos in coloured sand - updated

Issued: 14/11/2025
Last Updated: 14/11/2025

Purpose

This safety alert provides information regarding a number of brands of coloured sand products, containing small quantities of asbestos, that have been imported into Australia. The coloured sand can be used as an educational aid and for arts and crafts.

Background

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) are aware of the importation of coloured sand products that have been found to contain a low level of Tremolite and/or Chrysotile asbestos. The sand products appear to be manufactured and supplied by a Chinese company and subsequently on-sold in Australia.

The importation of asbestos or goods containing asbestos into Australia is prohibited. Australian Border Force (ABF) continue to make enquires to confirm details of the importer and supplier(s) involved.

Product description

Information currently available has identified affected products distributed by Educational Colours Pty Ltd, sold under the Educational Colours (EC) brand, and ‘Kadink’, a brand owned and sold by Officeworks. Several coloured sand products associated with these brands may be impacted.

Until further test results become available a precautionary approach should be adopted.  Any coloured sand products purchased with the Educational Colours and Kadink brand should be identified and, at this stage considered as potentially impacted.

The coloured sand products in which asbestos has been identified are as follows:

• Kadink 6 x 10g coloured decorative sand (all colours)
• Kadink 1.3kg coloured sand
• Kadink 2kg coloured sand

Retail distributers are being traced and those businesses identified as having received affected sand will be directed to immediately remove products from sale.

As this is an evolving issue, more products and brands could be impacted. In an abundance of caution, WHSQ is recommending that the use of all coloured sand products cease until the scale of impacted products can be determined.

Action required

As a precaution, anyone who has purchased coloured sand, whether from the ACCC list of affected products, or from other suppliers, are advised to take the following action:

Cease using all coloured sand products. Do not allow children or adults to play with or handle it.

For coloured sand that is either unopened or is sealed in a container in good condition:

• Carefully double bag the product and then move it to a secure location away from people.
• Do not dispose of the sand in general waste.
• Either call a licensed asbestos removalist for advice on safe disposal, or await further updates from ACCC regarding instructions involved with a product recall

For situations where coloured sand is loose or unsecured, such as on floors or in open containers:

• Cordon off the area to keep people away
• Do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Avoid sweeping, shovelling, vacuuming or disturbing any sand.
• Seek guidance from a competent person, such as a licensed asbestos assessor, who can advise on your specific situation and outline the appropriate steps for safe clean-up. This may require engaging licensed professionals to ensure the process is carried out safely and correctly.
• Do not re-enter the affected area until the extent of any potential contamination has been assessed and any required clean-up has been safely carried out.

A list of licensed asbestos removalists and licensed asbestos assessors in Queensland is available.

This matter is being investigated by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and other agencies. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.