Understanding Asbestos Risks in Non-Traditional Products: What Schools and Organisations Need to Know

Following recent international reports of asbestos contamination in children’s coloured play sand, highlighted in our recent news update, many schools, childcare providers and dutyholders have been asking how asbestos can appear in modern consumer goods, and what steps they can take to protect staff and children.

This educational article provides practical guidance, background information and reassurance for UK organisations.

Asbestos in Unexpected Places: How Does It Happen?

Although asbestos is banned in the United Kingdom, it remains legal or widely present in some countries, and can still be found in:

• Certain industrial processes
• Low-cost building materials
• Decorative powders, fillers and binders
• Materials mined from areas with natural asbestos deposits

Sometimes asbestos is added deliberately in countries where it remains lawful; in other cases, contamination happens accidentally due to naturally occurring fibres within raw materials.

This means asbestos can on rare occasions appear in unexpected consumer products such as:

• Craft sands and modelling clays
• Chalks and crayons
• Children’s toys
• Decorative or coloured sands
• Imported DIY materials

The recent international incident involving coloured play sand is a reminder that asbestos risks are not confined to old buildings

Why This Matters for Schools, Nurseries and Retailers

Educational and childcare settings routinely purchase products such as play sands, craft materials and sensory items. These goods are often manufactured overseas, meaning quality controls can vary widely.

For UK dutyholders, the key considerations are:

• Supply chain assurance: ensuring products come from reputable, traceable sources.
• Awareness of unusual risks: recognising when a product looks inconsistent or poorly labelled.
• Competent escalation: knowing how and when to raise concerns.
• Proportionate response: avoiding unnecessary alarm while still prioritising safety.

There is currently no indication that contaminated play sand linked to the Australian incident has entered the UK market.

How to Reduce Risk When Purchasing Children’s Materials

1. Buy from reputable suppliers - Choose suppliers with clear safety information, established quality assurance processes and transparent sourcing.
2. Look for proper labelling - Check for CE/UKCA marking, manufacturer details and safety information. Be cautious of products with no traceability.
3. Be alert to unusual characteristics - If items have inconsistent colouring, texture or odour, or arrive in unmarked packaging, they may require closer scrutiny.
4. Avoid extremely low-cost imports - Ultra-cheap consumer materials bought online may lack adequate safety testing or documentation.

What To Do if a Product Raises Concern

If staff or dutyholders identify a suspicious product:

1. Stop using it immediately.
2. Isolate the item — do not disturb, break up or attempt testing personally.
3. Contact Trading Standards or the relevant authority.
4. Record your concerns and keep the product secure pending advice.
5. Seek guidance, particularly if the product was used by children.

A cautious approach prevents unnecessary exposure while maintaining calm and proportionate management.

The Role of Competent Asbestos Awareness Training

The recent global headlines demonstrate why asbestos awareness remains relevant beyond traditional building maintenance roles.

Competent training helps staff:

• Understand how contamination can occur
• Recognise warning signs or quality-control issues
• Escalate concerns appropriately
• Avoid spreading misinformation or causing undue concern
• Comply with legal duties and best-practice guidance

Schools, nurseries, retailers and public-facing organisations all benefit from a workforce that understands the basic principles of asbestos risk management, even when the risk is low or unexpected.

Staying Informed

UKATA continues to monitor global asbestos developments and provide clear, factual guidance for members and the wider education sector.