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

Core point

Concerns have arisen regarding asbestos contamination in play sand products, leading to recalls across Australia and New Zealand. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) based its initial safety assurances on an unverified assessment from the supplier. Recent testing revealed that a significant percentage of the sand released asbestos when disturbed. The New Zealand workplace regulator has consistently challenged the safety claims made by Australian authorities.