Kmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets.
Kmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and the Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand sets.
Two Canterbury schools have closed for urgent testing as asbestos concerns arise from Kmart kinetic sand products used in schools across New Zealand.
Rolleston’s Clearview Primary will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday and possibly Wednesday, after the school identified one classroom (HB12) with a recalled Kmart product in use.
A further four classrooms have used other brands of kinetic sand, or kinetic sand that has been removed from its packaging, making its origin unclear.
On social media, the school’s board of trustees said there was no immediate risk to staff or students at this stage.
All classes and teaching spaces were closed with “immediate effect” until further notice as spaces were being professionally tested.
“The board understands that this will be distressing and inconvenient for our school community, however our primary concern is keeping our staff and students safe.”
Kmart NZ Magic Sands products are being recalled after asbestos was detected. They are, from left, the 14-piece sandcastle building set, and the blue, green and pink Magic Sand sets. Photo / Screengrab via Kmart recall notice
Waitaha School has also announced it will be closed on Monday tomorrow, after becoming aware of the product recall.
Principal Bernie Mulcahy-Bouwman said the Ministry of Education advised the board to investigate and call in professional asbestos cleaners.
He “absolutely loved” building castles with his magic sand from Kmart.
Ward understood that a lot of people were angry about the asbestos discovery.
“They’re pretty angry that it could somehow get into a children’s product without being noticed.
“The fact that it was in there and we don’t know how long it’s been.”
The four Kmart Magic Sand products have tested positive for tremolite asbestos, prompting yesterday’s urgent recall notice from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Other coloured sand products, used by more than 60 schools and early childhood centres, were recalled this week.
Auckland Mum, Tyra Ward's son "adored" his magic sand / Supplied
That recall notice was for EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand, which had been sold at retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire and Qizzle.
MBIE understood the presence of asbestos in products used by children would be concerning, its product safety spokesman Ian Caplin said.
“We urge families who have purchased these products to stop using them immediately, secure them safely, and contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely.”
