Australian and NZ safety assurances about asbestos in play sand were based on supplier’s own assessment
Summary
Australian and New Zealand authorities assured the public that asbestos-contaminated children’s play sand was low risk based on a safety report from the sand supplier, Educational Colours. However, independent tests found that most sand samples released asbestos fibers into the air, posing potential health dangers.Key Facts
- Children’s play sand containing asbestos was sold in Australia and New Zealand for at least five years.
- The supplier, Educational Colours, provided its own risk assessment without independent verification.
- Authorities in both countries used this supplier-based report to say the asbestos risk was low.
- Recent testing by Auckland University of Technology showed 90% of craft sand samples released asbestos fibers into the air.
- The New Zealand workplace safety regulator disputed the low-risk claim, stating the fibers were dangerous.
- Schools, government agencies, and large retailers like Kmart reassured consumers using the supplier’s claims.
- Asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003 due to its serious health risks.
- The asbestos was first found by an Australian lab during unrelated testing and later confirmed in more samples.
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