Research testing has confirmed the presence of airborne asbestos fibres in children's play sand sold in New Zealand, contradicting earlier assessments that fibre release was unlikely during normal use.
AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry led the research team that conducted the testing in suburban Auckland in March 2026, marking the first study of its kind in the country.
"Unfortunately, we found that asbestos fibres could be detected," Berry said. "We really hoped that our suspicion that those fibres could get in the air would be wrong and we would be able to come back and say 'hey, there were no fibres, it's great, everybody take a sigh of relief'."
Testing methodology
The research used a licensed asbestos removalist in protective equipment working inside a sealed chamber to replicate how children interact with sand. The testing replicated typical activities such as drawing patterns, moving toy vehicles across the surface, transferring material between containers, and building sand structures.
Equipment positioned at various heights monitored air quality during the simulated activities, with samples analysed using electron microscopy. Two independent laboratories in separate countries confirmed the same results, identifying tremolite and chrysotile asbestos fibres.
Results across products
The team examined 15 samples across three brands. 90% of craft sand samples that behaved like beach sand tested positive for airborne fibres.
Fibres were not detected in moulding sand that clumps together, though the research team noted this absence does not guarantee safety due to high detection limits.
The research team will not publicly identify the brands tested. The findings have not yet undergone peer review but will be pre-published before formal journal publication.
Government response
The Ministry of Health reassembled its Technical Advisory Group to review the results. Chief medical officer Dr Joe Bourne confirmed the findings demonstrate that recalled products can release asbestos fibres into the air.
The advisory group determined the play sand products pose a potential health risk and confirmed existing household advice remains appropriate.
MBIE is revising its advice to the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister. Product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said the ministry is reaching out to businesses that issued recall notices to encourage them to update those notices with the research findings.
All products with confirmed asbestos have been investigated and voluntarily recalled by the relevant businesses. The Commerce Commission has launched an investigation into market representations, including statements about risk and remedies.
Departure from earlier advice
The findings contradict previous guidance issued during product recalls, which stated fibre release was unlikely unless sand underwent mechanical crushing or pulverisation.
Berry said the experimental results challenged that earlier assessment about crushing being necessary for fibre release.
Health authorities have maintained a precautionary stance since products were identified in November last year, assuming all identified products could release fibres.
Health implications
"There's no safe level of exposure to asbestos," Berry said. "On the positive side, being exposed does not mean that you're necessarily going to develop an asbestos-related illness."
Professor David McBride from Otago University said cumulative exposure is the critical factor in asbestos risk. "It is of concern and it shouldn't have happened, my goodness it shouldn't have happened, but hopefully there will be no adverse effects," he said.
The Ministry of Health noted that asbestos-related health conditions develop over extended periods rather than immediately. The ministry directed concerned individuals to contact Healthline on 0800 611 116.
WorkSafe completed an initial assessment and stated workplace advice remains unchanged.
The research received funding from multiple organisations including AUT, WorkSafe, MBIE, the Faculty of Asbestos Management Australia and New Zealand, and Australia's Asbestos and Silica Safety Eradication Agency. It was conducted in memory of Leonie Metcalfe, a mesothelioma patient who supported the work before her death.