Contaminated children’s play sand sold in Australia can release toxic airborne asbestos, research finds

Exclusive: New study contradicts statements that play products removed from shelves because of asbestos concerns were ‘low risk’ Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Colourful children’s play sand that was sold in Australia while contaminated with asbestos can release hazardous airborne fibres of the toxic mineral, researchers have discovered. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the lead researcher of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) study, which found 90% of craft sand samples released asbestos into the air when played with, confirmed the products had been sold in Australia. At least 22 children’s sand products, many of which were sold at leading Australian retailers, were recalled between November 2025 and May this year due to concerns they could contain asbestos. Some of those products were also sold in New Zealand, prompting jointly funded research into whether the contaminated products contained asbestos which could become airborne and potentially more easily inhaled by children. Led by Associate Prof Terri-Ann Berry, the AUT study tested 15 products sold