ECRU Sector Support

20 November 2025

IMPORTANT CHILD AND WORKER INFORMATION – COLOURED SAND

Certain imported coloured sand products have been found to contain very low levels of naturally occurring asbestos. EnHealth has advised that there is very low risk to human health from these products.

The coloured sands are intended for use as an educational aid and for arts and crafts.

In the interim while analysis to confirm which brands are affected is ongoing, it is recommended to treat all coloured sand products as potentially contaminated.  See the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) notice for details of affected brands.

Actions required by workplaces

Workplaces using coloured sands are advised to take the following actions:

• Stop using any identified sand products immediately.
• If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it and store in a secure location while waiting for further disposal advice.
• Clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask (P2 or N95). Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths. Store in a secure location and wait for further disposal advice.
• Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned

Further information will be provided on disposal options in due course.

Link to the full EnHealth Statement here - Interim Advice - Asbestos contamination identified in imported coloured/kinetic sand products