In My Home
Update on Coloured Sand Recall – Asbestos Contamination (Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency)
Recall of coloured sands – November 2025
14 November, 2025
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published recall notices for coloured sand products that may contain asbestos and are sold at various retailers in Australia.
The products have been recalled as testing has detected asbestos in some samples. Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia.
Visit the ACCC’s Product Safety website to see the recall notices and find out what to do: Safe disposal and health information for consumers with recalled sand products | ACCC Product Safety
Although there have been early indications that the risk of exposure is low, it is important to take precautions with all potential exposures.
It is important to note that not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop an asbestos-related disease, but that the risk increases with every exposure, so it is important to take control to minimise further exposure.
Based on the currently available information it is recommended that clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with this product is not required.
For advice regarding work health and safety requirements at your place of work, please contact your WHS regulator.
For those outside a place of work:
- Stop using any identified sand products immediately.
- If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location.
- Clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves, mask, disposable coveralls. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask, coveralls and cloths. Store in a secure location.
- Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
- Do not dispose of the sand in your household bin. You should dispose of it at an authorised disposal facility. To find a facility in your area, you can search for Disposal facilities. Please contact the facility before you go there to check their disposal requirements.
- If you are uncertain or need further advice on how to manage and dispose the sand product, please contact an asbestos professional.
Visit your relevant state or territory website for more information about asbestos management in your local area:
There is asbestos in my home, what can I do?
Asbestos materials become dangerous to health if they are damaged, disturbed or deteriorating. An asbestos assessment (also known as an asbestos survey, asbestos audit, or asbestos inspection) can provide the information you need to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres and reduce unexpected future costs when undertaking repairs or renovations. An asbestos assessment should always be carried out before starting any renovation work. Further information is available on the ASEA Asbestos in the home Webpage and on their fact sheet Arranging a residential asbestos assessment.
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is the best place to find this information:
- If sealed (e.g. painted) then it is at least contained, but it should be looked at by an expert (e.g. L&D Consulting.)
- Dealing with asbestos is the responsibility of the homeowner.
- Home improvements can disturb asbestos-containing materials and cause health and safety concerns.
- Everyone has a duty under common and public health laws to take reasonable care not to cause harm to another person. This includes preventing the release of airborne asbestos fibres.
- Maintain all safety precautions around any asbestos products, either identified or suspected.
My asbestos fence has been damaged, what do I do?
Any issue with asbestos in your property is a matter of civil law. Please see below information on what you can do next:
- Contact your council – My Council has contact information for all councils in WA.
- Review the WA GOVT Department of Health Guidance Note on Asbestos Cement Fences.
- Wearing a mask, collect any debris immediately, to be wrapped and disposed of.
My asbestos roof has been damaged, what do I do?
- Review the WA GOVT Department of Health Guidance Note on Asbestos Cement Roofs.
- Wearing a mask, collect any debris immediately, to be wrapped and disposed of.
How can I safely paint my asbestos fence?
Some basic rules are:
- Wear a mask.
- Dampen fence.
- No scraping or sanding.
For more information, please review the WA GOVT Department of Health Guidance Note on Asbestos Cement Fences.
My landlord did not tell us that there was asbestos in our rental before we moved in, what are my legal rights?
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) advise that landlords in WA are not obligated to disclose if asbestos is present in a property.
More information is available in their Information for Landlords and Renters Fact Sheet.