This article was written by CEO Laura Gemmell and first published in The Post on 19 November 2025.
I was initially shocked to receive an email from my son’s school advising it would have to close due to a recall of coloured sand.
The sand, used for everything from sensory play to art projects and science experiments, was tested in Australia last week and found to contain asbestos.
But as someone who works in product certification, the professional side of me was far less surprised.
Asbestos is a known cancer-causing substance. Its danger comes from microscopic fibers that can become airborne when contaminated material is disturbed – such as when sand is poured or handled during play. It’s important to note that authorities have stated the risk in this instance is low, and that school closures are a precautionary measure.
Unfortunately, contamination like this is not unheard of.
At Eco Choice Aotearoa, our rigorous certification helps prevent environmental and social harm and ensures products are fit for purpose and pose no unnecessary risk to human health. Afterall, anything bad for the environment is almost always, bad for people too.
Our team is more aware than most of the everyday items sold in Aotearoa that contain poorly regulated or questionable ingredients. From laundry powder and household cleaners to sanitary items, cheap textiles, furnishings and building products – it’s a long, and often worrying, list. Separating the good from the bad, and making responsible purchasing easier, is exactly why certifications like Eco Choice Aotearoa exist.
Regardless of whether products are made here or overseas, the distributor has a legal responsibility under the Fair Trading Act to ensure what they sell is safe. While tighter regulation might help, the reality is we simply cannot test everything, especially as Kiwis increasingly purchase products online from around the world.
In the case of the coloured sand, contamination most likely occurred at the source – likely a quarry. If the product contains talc instead of actual sand, talc and asbestos can naturally occur together. This is the same issue behind the Johnson & Johnson baby powder scandal.
I understand why parents and educators who bought this sand feel let down – they should have been able to trust a major retailer.
Businesses must know exactly what is in their products and have genuine visibility over their supply chains. If they don’t, they shouldn’t be selling them, particularly when the products are high-risk or intended for children.
Businesses can prevent this by knowing the source of their materials, requiring independent testing, physically auditing the supply chain, and having robust contracts with their suppliers in place, that set clear expectations around safety, traceability and compliance.
The onus should not be on consumers, but it absolutely pays to be cautious.
The easiest way to do this is to look for credible third-party standards and certifications. This incident is a stark reminder of why they exist and matter.
So, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, please check whether any children’s products you’re planning to purchase meet EU or US toy safety standards. At the very least, look for evidence the product meets chemical safety frameworks such as REACH, which restricts thousands of harmful substances. If this information isn’t readily available on the packaging, ask the seller. If they can’t tell you, choose another gift.
For other household items or building materials, look for Eco Choice Aotearoa’s logo. By doing so, you’re supporting companies that take their environmental and social responsibilities seriously and helping to push unsafe, unverified products out of the New Zealand market.
