Coloured sand products sold by Kmart NZ have tested positive for tremolite asbestos, prompting an urgent recall notice and warning for anyone who has bought them to stop using them immediately. 

The latest recall comes after another this week for other coloured sand products, an alert that prompted more than 60 schools and early childhood centres to contact the Ministry of Education for help. 

That recall notice was for EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand, which had been sold at retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire and Qizzle. 

Today’s notice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is for four Kmart NZ Magic Sand products – the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets. 

Asbestos is a carcinogen proven to increase the risk of developing cancer, with the main way people are exposed through breathing air containing asbestos fibres. 

There’s been no safe lower limit of exposure identified with certainty, with all exposure thought to add to the overall risk, the ministry said in its media release today. 

“But the risk from a single, low-level exposure is considered to be extremely low.” 

Today’s recall notice was issued after asbestos was detected in samples in independent testing commissioned by the Faculty of Asbestos Management of Australia and New Zealand. 

Creastistics sand products were among those recalled earlier this week over asbestos contamination fears. Photo / Supplied 

The ministry understood the presence of asbestos in products used by children would be concerning, it’s product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said. 

“We urge families who have purchased these products to stop using them immediately, secure them safely, and contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely.” 

Workplaces who may have higher volumes of the products, or more people may have come in contact with them, should contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on their specific situation, Caplin said. 

A list of assessors and removalists is on the Worksafe website. 

The ministry appreciated the “urgency with which Kmart has acted and issued the recall”, he said. 

“It’s great to see the supplier taking quick action around children’s safety issues.” 

Proactive testing of a range of similar products was under way, so they couldn’t yet say for certain if other products were also contaminated or not. 

They were working with the Ministry of Health, Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and WorkSafe to guide consumers and workplaces that may have bought the affected products, Caplin said. 

“Asbestos is a serious health hazard … the health risk is all about exposure over time but if households take a few simple steps to dispose of the product properly, you will be minimising the risk. 

“If you or your child have used the product, there is no need for urgent medical attention. Discuss any health concerns with your GP, healthcare provider or Healthline 0800 611 116.” 

Affected products under recall notice: 

• EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) – previously recalled 
• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg) – previously recalled 
• 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set (Batch no: 42975724) 
• Blue Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304364) 
• Green Magic Sand (Batch no: 432919650) 
• Pink Magic Sand (Batch no: 42304371) 

Immediate advice for consumers: 

Stop using the product immediately. 

Don’t let children touch or play with the sand. 

Place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic, seal with tape, and clearly label as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material”. 

Don’t dispose of it in household rubbish or vacuum it up. Contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely. 

Refer to the clean-up and disposal instructions in the Health NZ webpage here: Asbestos in sand 

Once the product is secure, people should contact their retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act. 

For further advice call the MBIE Consumer line 0508 426 678. 

Immediate advice for workplaces: 

If the sand is in a sealed container, move it to a secure location away from people. 

If the sand is currently being used in your workplace, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible. Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand or attempt to clean it up. 

Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation. 

Do not return to the affected area until the extent of contamination is established, and after the area is remediated by an expert. 

If individuals are currently using the sand, they should put it down and relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area. 

If you are an educational facility and have identified that the sand has been used at your site, please notify the Ministry of Education. 

All clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste as part of personal decontamination.