Safe Work Australia is aware of research undertaken by the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) following the voluntary recall of a range of coloured play sand products in Australia and New Zealand in late 2025. The research simulated children's play with some of the recalled asbestos-contaminated products.
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) has published information about the research, including preliminary findings, on its website: AUT Research - preliminary findings on coloured play sands
Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia and there has been a ban and import prohibition of asbestos in Australia since 2003 due to its long-term risks to health.
For advice about the work health and safety laws and requirements at your workplace, contact your WHS regulator.
To learn more about asbestos from a work health and safety perspective, including how to manage workplace risks, visit our asbestos webpage.
Recall of coloured sand products – November 2025 | Safe Work Australia