Recall of EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1.3kg) due to potential asbestos contamination

“We are taking immediate precautionary action, while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product.” says Ian Caplin, Product Safety Spokesperson (MBIE). 

“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.” 

Independent testing in Australia has confirmed asbestos contamination in similar products. 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.” 

Product details 

The affected product is EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg) which have been sold in New Zealand through retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire, and Qizzle. Some online retailers may also have supplied this product. 

Immediate advice for consumers 

• Stop using the product immediately. 

• Ensure the sand in a sealed container. If you need advice on how to do this, contact a licensed professional. 

• Do not dispose of the product 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.
  Asbestos removal licence holders(external link) — Worksafe

• Once secure, we encourage people to reach out to the supplier to organise a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.  

Immediate advice for education facilities

• If the sand is in a sealed container, move it to a secure location away from people.

• If the sand is currently being used in your facility, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible.  Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand, or attempt to clean it up. Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation. Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register:
  Asbestos removal licence holders(external link)  — Worksafe 
  Do not return to the affected area until the extent of contamination is established, and after the area is remediated by an expert.

• If individuals are currently using the sand, they should put it down and relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area.  

• If an educational facility has identified that the sand has been used at their facility, they should notify Ministry of Education that the sand has been used on site, and detail the actions that have been taken so far.   

Decontamination requirements  

• Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or Class A licensed asbestos removalist who can provide decontamination services and assist with personal decontamination.  Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register:
  Asbestos removal licence holders(external link)  — Worksafe 

• All clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste as part of personal decontamination.  

Health risks 

Asbestos exposure can cause serious long-term health issues. For health-related concerns, contact Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora or visit Health NZ asbestos guidance.

Further information 

Details of the recall and instructions for consumers has been published on the Product Safety New Zealand website. MBIE is continuing to work with WorkSafe, the Ministry of Education, Te Whatu Ora, and the supplier to confirm the scope of the issue and coordinate if further steps are necessary. 

HealthLine - 0800 611 116
WorkSafe - 0800 030 040
Product Safety - 0508 426 678
Ministry of Education - 0800 323 323