Educational Colours Rainbow Sand has been recalled. Photo: Supplied / Product Safety NZ
Rainbow sand from Educational Colours and coloured sand from Creatistics has been recalled because Tremolite (a naturally occurring asbestos in quartz) has been found in samples during lab testing.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said people need to stop using the products immediately.
"We are taking immediate precautionary action, while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product," said Ian Caplin, MBIE product safety spokesperson.
"We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or potential use in a school or other setting to act immediately. Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals, a list of these is available on the Worksafe website."
Asbestos contamination has been found in similar products in Australia.
Creatistics Coloured Sand is sold in various colours. Photo: Supplied / Product Safety NZ
MBIE said while testing of New Zealand product is ongoing, as a precautionary measure, the company Educational Colours has issued a recall notice.
"Asbestos is a serious health hazard and we are working with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and WorkSafe to provide guidance for consumers and educational facilities which may have bought these products."
The sand was sold at Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle, Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms Ltd and ACME Supplies.
MBIE said it may have also been sold online.
What to do if you have the sand:
- Stop using it immediately
- Place the sand in a sealed container and store it securely away from people.
- Do not dispose of it in general waste. WorkSafe strongly recommends engaging a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for safe disposal. A list of licensed removalists can be found on the WorkSafe website.
- Once secure, it encourages people to reach out to the supplier to organise a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Government advice for education facilities:
Decontamination:
