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A world-first study by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has confirmed that asbestos fibres can become airborne from some children’s play sand products, posing a health risk during normal play.
Research led by Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry, from AUT’s School of Future Environments, found tremolite and chrysotile asbestos fibres were released into the air when researchers simulated children’s play activities with sand products previously sold in New Zealand.
Both types of asbestos are known to cause cancer. Inhaling the fibres can lead to serious disease, although not everyone exposed will go on to develop cancer.
The contaminated sand was first identified in products sold in New Zealand and Australia in late 2025. Since then, at least 16 countries, including the UK, Belgium and the US, have found asbestos in play sand. Globally, regulators have issued at least 135 recalls or warnings covering toys and craft kits made with the sand. In New Zealand, products from 20 brands have been recalled.
Before this study, it was not known whether the asbestos already found in these products could become airborne during ordinary play.
In March 2026, a licensed asbestos removalist wearing full protective equipment simulated play activities with contaminated sand inside a sealed testing enclosure. The activities were designed with input from early childhood educators who had previously handled the products.
Researchers collected air samples from three points around the test table, including at the height of a child’s breathing zone. The samples were analysed by two independent laboratories, one in the US and one in Italy, both of which detected airborne asbestos fibres in some samples.
Fibres were found in samples from craft sands but not from moulding sands. Researchers caution this does not mean moulding sands are safe, as the test’s detection limit was higher than what would normally be considered an acceptable clearance level. This means an absence of detected fibres in a sample cannot be taken as proof it poses no risk.
The research team has shared its preliminary findings with public health officials and regulators in New Zealand and Australia. A full scientific paper is due to be published soon.
What people should do
Anyone with play sand products at home, particularly craft sands, is advised to stop using them and dispose of them safely. People with concerns about exposure can contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
If you have play sand and wish to dispose of it:
- keep the sand sealed in its container, place it in a thick plastic bag and secure it with tape.
- place the bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape, and label it clearly as ‘Asbestos-Contaminated Material’
- take your safely contained product to the Auckland Council Asbestos Lab in Grafton.
- do not put the product in your household rubbish
- do not take asbestos to a transfer station.
