Kids' product recalled from Officeworks over asbestos concerns
Urgent Recall of Children's Art Supplies Due to Asbestos Concerns
A range of children’s art supplies, including decorative coloured sand, has been recalled from major retailers in Australia due to concerns about potential asbestos contamination. The affected products, which are commonly used for arts and crafts and sensory play, have been taken off the shelves at Officeworks and other stores.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirmed that the Educational Colours decorative coloured sand, available in a variety of colours such as pink, green, purple, red, orange, and yellow, has been withdrawn after traces of asbestos were detected during laboratory testing. This recall affects several product lines, including Rainbow Sand, Creatistics – Coloured Sand, and Kadink – Sand.
According to the ACCC, the sand may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that is banned in Australia. However, the commission noted that no respiratory asbestos was found in any of the tested samples. It also stated that the release of airborne asbestos fibres from the sand is unlikely unless it is processed through mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising.
While the risk of asbestos becoming airborne or fine enough for inhalation is considered low, the ACCC warned that this could still pose a health risk. Parents and caregivers are advised to stop using the products immediately and take proper precautions.
Steps to Take if You Own the Affected Products
If you have purchased any of the recalled items, it is important to handle them with care. Here are some steps to follow:
- Place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and securely tape it shut. Keep it out of reach of children.
- Do not dispose of the product in general waste. Instead, take it to an approved disposal facility for safe handling.
Information on the proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials, including details on facilities in your state or territory, can be found through local environmental or health authorities.
Product Codes for the Recalled Items
The following item codes correspond to the affected products:
EC Rainbow Sand 1.3 kg
- EVRS1CB – Choc Brown
- EVRS1OR – Orange
- EVRS1PK – Pink
- SD001-BE – Blue
- SD001-BK – Black
- SD001-DG – Dark Green
- SD001-PU – Purple
- SD001-RE – Red
- SD001-YE – Yellow
Creatistics Coloured Sand 1 kg
- EC700 – Pink
- EC701 – Black
- EC702 – Blue
- EC703 – Brown
- EC704 – Green
- EC705 – Purple
- EC706 – Red
- EC707 – White
- EC708 – Yellow
- EC713 – Orange
Kadink Sand 1.3kg
- EVKADS13BL – Blue
- EVKADS13GR – Green
- EVKADS13NAT – Natural
- EVKADS13PK – Pink
- EVKADS13PUR – Purple
- EVKADS13RD – Red
- EVKADS13YL – Yellow
Additional Related Recalls
This recall is part of a broader trend of product safety concerns involving hazardous materials. Recent recalls have included baby powder bottles contaminated with asbestos, school environments potentially containing dangerous asbestos fibers, and craft supplies like glitter that may pose hidden risks to children.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to stay informed about product recalls and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families. Always check for updates from reliable sources and follow official guidelines when handling potentially hazardous materials.
