Asbestos contamination confirmed in coloured sand product

A decorative coloured sand product imported from China has been found to contain traces of chrysotile, a type of asbestos.  Laboratory testing of samples taken by WorkSafe ACT has confirmed that the contaminated product, sold as Kadink Decorative Sand, is present in the ACT and contains chrysotile.

The risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low. However, do not use the product and avoid any contact with potentially contaminated material. The product tested is sold in 6 packs of 10gram tubes.

If you believe that you may have the product in your business or undertaking (e.g. educational facility)

  • Stop using the product
  • Determine whether and where the product is present and then isolate/restrict access to that area (isolation should include turning off air conditioners and ceiling fans in the contaminated area and closing windows and doors).
  • The person conducting the business or undertaking will need to engage a licensed asbestos assessor. The licensed assessor will assess the risk and determine the appropriate remediation action and, if necessary, the class of licensed asbestos removalist required to conduct the removal work.
  • Once the removal work has occurred to the satisfaction of the licensed assessor, a clearance certificate will be issued by the assessor.

If you believe you may have the product in your home, including any arts or crafts made with the sand, to prevent dust or fibres from becoming airborne do not disturb or use it and isolate the product. Carefully double wrap the sand, its container, and any related materials in 200-micron plastic bags, seal securely with tape, and clearly label the package as asbestos waste. When disposing of asbestos, always take precautions to protect yourself from exposure:

  • Wear disposable gloves. Tuck the gloves under the elasticised cuffs of your clothing. If the cuffs are loose, tape them down to create a proper seal.
  • Wear a P2 rated face mask. Do not use a standard dust mask. A P2 respirator should fit snugly and cover half your face.
  • Wear protective eyewear. Use safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and debris.

Small quantities of asbestos can be disposed of at Mugga Lane and Mitchell Resource Management Centres for no cost. When disposing of asbestos at resource management centres in the ACT:

  • Material must be double wrapped in 200 micron (min) plastic and sealed (taped up)
  • Plastic packages should be no larger than 800 mm x 800 mm and weigh less than 250kg
  • Packages must be identified to facility operators at the weighbridges on arrival at the Resource Management Centre

Visit the City Services page for more information on disposal of asbestos: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recyclopaedia/items/a/asbestos

200-micron disposal bags are available from hardware and safety supply shops. WorkSafe ACT can also provide them to anyone who believes they may have purchased the contaminated product.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a recall on related products Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg) and Kadink - Sand (1.3kg) | ACCC Product Safety

If you have any questions or require assistance acquiring disposal bags, contact WorkSafe ACT via WorkSafe_Asbestos@worksafe.act.gov.au

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