Australian and NZ safety assurances about asbestos in play sand were based on supplier’s own assessment

Safety assurances given by Australian and New Zealand schools, retailers, and government agencies about asbestos-contaminated play sand were based on the supplier's own assessment, which was not independently verified. The products, including Educational Colours sand, were recalled in November 2025 after asbestos was detected, followed by over 20 additional recalls across various brands. The ACCC later updated recall notices to indicate the products may pose a health risk, contradicting earlier claims of low risk. This reveals that public health messaging relied on unverified information, raising concerns about the adequacy of safety checks.