Sydney, Australia – November 21, 2025 – A Sydney family who used potentially asbestos-contaminated coloured sand during Diwali celebrations are calling for clear action points from retailers adn health authorities, as the nationwide fallout from the product continues. The sand, sold at major Australian retailers including Woolworths, Officeworks, Kmart and Target since 2020, has prompted school closures and health checks across multiple states.
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, used the sand in decorative displays during their Diwali festivities earlier this month. They are now seeking guidance on potential health risks and appropriate safety measures. “We were shocked to hear about the asbestos,” said a family spokesperson. “We had children playing near the sand, and we just want to know what steps we should take to ensure their safety.”
The discovery of asbestos – tremolite and chrysotile – in the coloured sand led to the snap closure of sixteen public schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) last Friday, escalating to 70 schools by Monday as licensed asbestos removalists conducted cleaning and clearance operations.The products were also found in some Canberra Health Services sites, including Canberra Hospital and North Canberra Hospital.
ACT Health Minister Rachel stephen-Smith stated yesterday that all identified sand products had been removed and disposed of, with qualified asbestos assessors confirming no further action was required at those sites.
Experts maintain the asbestos detected is present at “trace levels” and considered “very low risk.” University of Adelaide molecular pharmacologist Ian Musgrave explained, “It’s fairly low level and also the material is in a form that it’s not easily breathed in… So unless you’ve got an industrial sand milling machine in your school it’s very unlikely that your children will be exposed to fibres that can be breathed in and cause disease.”
However, the family and concerned citizens are urging retailers and authorities to provide specific advice on handling and disposal of any remaining product, as well as outlining long-term monitoring recommendations. the incident highlights ongoing concerns about product safety and supply chain oversight in Australia.
