Asbestos Alert: Kmart Recalls Magic Sand Products, Prompting Urgent Action for Families and Schools
A nationwide recall of colored play sands has been expanded, with Kmart Magic Sand products now under scrutiny for potential asbestos contamination. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has issued a critical warning, urging parents, schools, and early learning centers to "stop using them immediately."
The recall was triggered by the discovery of tremolite, a form of asbestos associated with higher cancer risks at low exposure levels, in four Kmart Magic Sand products: the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set, Blue Magic Sand, Green Magic Sand, and Pink Magic Sand. These findings join a broader recall that began last week, affecting rainbow sand products from Educational Colours and Creatistics.
MBIE's product safety spokesperson, Ian Caplin, emphasized the urgency, acknowledging the alarm this discovery would cause for families. He advised, "Stop using them immediately, secure them safely, and contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely."
The recall has prompted a swift response from schools and early childhood services, with over 120 facilities reporting their use of the recalled sand products. At least seven centers have temporarily closed classrooms for assessment by licensed asbestos specialists, and more closures are expected as checks continue.
The Ministry of Education has instructed schools not to vacuum, sweep, or attempt to clean up colored sand themselves. Instead, they should immediately evacuate any area where the sand is loose and block it off. Schools like Kapakapanui in Waikanae have relocated classes to the hall and library while specialists conduct testing.
WorkSafe has confirmed that tremolite is part of the amphibole family of asbestos, known for its straight, needle-like fibers and stronger association with cancer and autoimmune illnesses. This has raised concerns about the potential for more products to be contaminated.
Kmart has acted swiftly in issuing its recall, but Caplin warned that further testing is ongoing, and more products across the market may be implicated. Similar sand products in Australia have also tested positive for asbestos, indicating potential issues with international supply chains.
Households are advised to stop using the products immediately, place the sand in an airtight container, double-bag it in thick plastic, and label it as "Asbestos-Contaminated Material." They should not dispose of it in household rubbish and should contact their local council for safe disposal. People who have handled the sand do not require urgent medical attention but should monitor themselves for symptoms.
Workplaces and schools are urged to take the contamination seriously, immediately halting the use of colored sands and contacting licensed asbestos assessors. Staff handling the product should move to well-ventilated, sand-free areas, and exposed clothing must be disposed of as asbestos waste.
Education facilities are required to notify the Ministry of Education if the sand has been used on-site. This comprehensive recall and response underscore the importance of vigilance in product safety, especially for items used by children and in educational settings.
