Thousands of Australian parents are panicking after discovering they’ve been vacuuming up children’s sand that may contain asbestos — some for up to five years.
Following a nationwide recall of kinetic and coloured sand products from Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Woolworths, families across Australia are asking the same urgent question: what about all the sand we’ve already vacuumed?
The concern has spread rapidly online, with one parent posting on Facebook: “It’s all through my house… so now what?”
Another wrote: “SafeWork SA says not to use a domestic vacuum cleaner as it risks pulverising and making it possible to inhale. We have been vacuuming it for YEARS. I am so angry.”
Expert: Medical risk is ‘very low’
According to asbestos litigation lawyer Graham Duncan, author of Where the Dust Settles, parents who have previously vacuumed the sand should not panic.
“The medical risk is very low,” Duncan says.
He stressed that asbestos has been identified only in some brands of magic sand, at trace levels.
“The majority of fibres are likely to be bound within the material forming the sand. This is unlikely to be inhaled deeply into the lungs,” he explains.
Even long-term vacuuming is unlikely to cause harm, according to Duncan.
“Inhalation of dried magic sand dust containing asbestos, or fibres liberated from it after drying, is very unlikely to cause any immediate problems, even if the sand has been vacuumed for months or years.”
Why the recall happened
The nationwide recall was triggered after asbestos was detected in certain imported brands of coloured sand sold at major Australian retailers between 2020 and 2025.
About 1,000 schools and early learning centres reported using the affected sand. At least 70 public schools in the ACT temporarily shut down to assess potential exposure.
The recalled products include:
- Kadink brand sand (sold at Officeworks)
- Educational Colours brand (various retailers)
- Target-branded kinetic sand products
- Kmart coloured sand items
- Woolworths craft sand products
Authorities have advised anyone who bought these products to stop using them immediately and follow official disposal guidelines.
Do you need to throw out your vacuum cleaner?
No, you don’t need to throw out your vacuum, Duncan says. However, he recommends a precautionary clean-out:
- Wear gloves and a P2-rated mask
- Dispose of used vacuum bags or filters carefully
- Wipe the machine down with a damp cloth
- Double-bag any debris in heavy-duty plastic
How to safely dispose of recalled sand
If you have purchased affected coloured sand products, follow these steps:
What you need:
- Gloves
- P2-rated face mask
- Protective eyewear
- Wet cloths
- Heavy-duty plastic bags
- Tape
Disposal process:
- Clean affected areas using wet cloths (not dry sweeping or vacuuming)
- Double-bag all sand and debris in heavy-duty plastic bags
- Seal tightly with tape
- Label clearly as “Asbestos Waste”
- Store safely until you can take it to an authorised disposal facility
- Find your local disposal facility at asbestossafety.gov.au
Duncan emphasises: “The fibres cannot pass through the plastic” when properly bagged.
Which products are affected?
The recall includes coloured and kinetic sand products sold at:
- Target — Various kinetic sand items
- Kmart — Coloured craft sand
- Officeworks — Kadink brand sand
- Woolworths — Craft sand products
- Educational suppliers — Educational Colours brand
Products were sold between 2020 and 2025. Check the complete list of affected products at productsafety.gov.au.
What if you’re still worried?
Duncan acknowledges parents’ concerns are valid, even if the risk is low.
“Nobody, no matter how eminent, can ever say there is no risk,” he says.
“If this were my family, I would get rid of it promptly using the techniques advised. It is good common sense not to expose anyone to unnecessary risks, even if those risks are thought to be very low.”
If you feel uncomfortable or need additional support, contact your local or state health department for guidance.
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