The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has issued an urgent recall of Rainbow Sand from Educational Colours and Coloured Sand from Creatistics after laboratory tests detected traces of Tremolite, a naturally occurring form of asbestos found in quartz.
MBIE’s product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said the recall is a precautionary measure while the extent of contamination is being investigated.
“We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or for use in schools or other settings, to act immediately,” Caplin said. “Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it safely, and arrange for professional disposal through licensed asbestos removalists listed on the WorkSafe website,” reported RNZ.
The affected sand products were sold at Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, Qizzle, Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms Ltd, and ACME Supplies, as well as through online platforms, RNZ reported.
MBIE confirmed that Educational Colours has issued a recall notice after similar asbestos contamination was reported in Australia.
“Asbestos is a serious health hazard,” MBIE said in a statement. “We are working closely with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education, and WorkSafe to ensure consumer safety and provide guidance to schools and early education centres,” reported RNZ.
Stop using the sand immediately.
Place it in a sealed container and store it securely away from people.
Do not dispose of it in general waste. Contact a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal (list available on the WorkSafe website).
Contact the supplier for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act once the product is secured.
If sealed, move containers to a secure location away from people.
If the sand is in use, evacuate the area immediately and block it off.
Do not vacuum or sweep the contaminated area.
Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate help.
Notify the Ministry of Education if the sand has been used on-site.
Only licensed asbestos removalists should handle cleanup and disposal.
All clothing worn during exposure should be treated as asbestos waste and disposed of as part of personal decontamination procedures.
MBIE emphasised that anyone who believes they may have been exposed should avoid panic but follow safety guidance strictly to minimise any risk.