The Government is seeking urgent advice on strengthening safety rules for children's play sand following a world-first study that found some recalled products sold in New Zealand could release cancer-causing asbestos fibres into the air during play.
According to a report by Stuff, the products were part of a major recall in late 2025 involving 20 brands of toys and craft kits. Kmart alone sold around 67,000 affected units in New Zealand, while 135 recalls or safety warnings have been issued internationally.
Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer said he requested urgent advice after the research findings were released.
“We're taking it very seriously. I've called for advice. I want advice as to what the options are, and so, whatever the outcome is, we are toughening up on this product,” he said, Stuff has quoted.
Among the options being considered are an outright ban on the products or mandatory safety certification before they can be imported and sold in New Zealand.
“I've asked for a range of options, which could go from a ban, which could go for a certification of safety proof, for importers, before any of these products come into the country. So I've asked for a full range of products, full range of advice, for that to be put on my table, ASAP,” as quoted by Stuff.
“We’ve asked for all options because this is a serious issue and we want to give consumers, every confidence and parents every confidence,” Stuff has quoted.
According to Stuff, the study, led by Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry of Auckland University of Technology, is the first to examine whether asbestos fibres contained in recalled play sand could become airborne during normal play.
Researchers simulated children's interactions with sand in a controlled environment in March 2026. The testing was carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist inside a secure enclosure, with play activities designed in consultation with early childhood educators, as reported by Stuff.
Air samples analysed by laboratories in the United States and Italy confirmed the presence of airborne tremolite and chrysotile asbestos fibres in some samples.
The study found that asbestos fibres were released from certain craft sand products, although not from moulding sand. However, researchers cautioned that the findings do not guarantee that moulding sand products are free from risk, Stuff has reported.
Before the research, it was unknown whether asbestos fibres found in the recalled products could become airborne and potentially be inhaled by children.
“Although no amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe, not all asbestos exposure will lead to a cancer diagnosis,” Berry noted, as quoted by Stuff.
The preliminary findings have been shared with health authorities and regulators in both New Zealand and Australia, as reported by Stuff.
People concerned about recalled play sand in homes or schools are advised to contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for guidance.
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