Parents were told asbestos in play sand was low risk unless ‘pulverised’. But regulators hadn’t tested it

Exclusive: Some ACCC recall notices updated after testing finds 90% of samples release asbestos fibres, contrary to previous claimsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastSchools, retailers and government agencies assured parents that asbestos-contaminated play sand posed a low risk to their children’s health based on a supplier’s own assessment which was not independently verified, the Guardian can reveal.The now-contested public messaging spread quickly after a range of Educational Colours children’s sand products were pulled from shelves in November 2025 after samples were found to contain asbestos, which was followed by more than 20 similar recalls across different brands and retailers. Continue reading...