Kinetic, moldable or “magical” sand, in which to immerse both hands… Our children love these sensory games, and yet, an international alert could call everything into question. Asbestos has been spotted in products from China.
An international alert born in Oceania
The first discoveries date back to autumn 2025 in Australia and New Zealand. Analyzes of play sand used in schools and educational activities revealed the presence of asbestos. Faced with the precautionary principle, the authorities recommended that parents no longer purchase these products and throw away those already used. Direct consequence: dozens of schools had to temporarily close to carry out sanitation operations after using this sand in class.
But it is in Europe that the affair continues. In the Netherlands, a media investigation marked a turning point: out of twelve samples of play sand analyzed in the laboratory, six contained asbestos. Subsequently, the Dutch media reported up to 25 contaminated samples, including products purchased on e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Bol.com or AliExpress.
Last week, a “black list” of contaminated products was also published in Belgium by the FPS Economy, while certain incriminated items were available in several European countries, including Switzerland and France via online commerce.
Different products but a common origin: China
Although we do not yet know precisely the impact of these products in France, it is good to note that all contaminated products have one major point in common: their origin. According to investigations, the sand in question comes from Chinese mines and quarries where asbestos may be naturally present in the rocks.
Additional problem: in certain producing countries, products containing up to 5% natural asbestos can be considered “asbestos-free” according to local standards, which greatly complicates international controls. As some European officials have acknowledged, it is “impossible to control products one by one” on global platforms.
As a precaution, however, Amazon has announced that it is withdrawing from sale products in which the presence of asbestos has been detected, while affirming that the items sold must comply with current regulations. In Belgium Action also recalled the products sold.
What type of asbestos was detected?
The analyzes notably identified tremolite, belonging to the amphibole family, considered one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos.
Some products contained between 2 and 5 percent unbound asbestos, a concentration experts consider very high because the fibers can then be easily released into the air and inhaled.
However, unlike asbestos bound in solid materials, asbestos present in fine sand or handled by children can be “easily inhaled” when playing, transferring or doing DIY.
What risks for users?
As a reminder, asbestos has been banned in France since 1997 due to its recognized dangerousness. All its varieties are classified as carcinogenic.
The danger comes from its microscopic fibers, invisible to the naked eye. When inhaled:
- They penetrate deep into the respiratory tract;
- They accumulate in the lungs or pleura;
- The body has great difficulty eliminating them.
Over time, this exposure can cause:
- Chronic lung inflammation;
- Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis);
- Lesions of the pleura;
- Serious cancers, including lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura).
The main problem is the delay in the onset of diseases: they can occur several decades after exposure.
However, it is still too early to state the real level of risk for children exposed to contaminated sand: this will depend on the quantity, duration of exposure and concentration of fibers inhaled.
What precautions for parents and schools?
Faced with uncertainty, authorities and consumer associations in neighboring countries recommend maximum vigilance.
1. Avoid use as a precaution
2. Dispose of sand safely
- Moisten the sand to prevent dust from dispersing;
- Place it in a double airtight bag;
- Wear an FFP2 mask, gloves and glasses;
- Deposit it in a specialized sorting center (and not in a traditional trash can).
3. Clean up the environment
- Ventilate the room thoroughly after removing the sand;
- Avoid vacuuming dry (risk of fiber dispersion);
- If there is strong suspicion, consider professional cleaning.
Towards a future health scandal?
Of course, at this stage, several unknowns remain: the real extent of the contamination, the number of children exposed and the exact concentration of asbestos in the products concerned. But several signals worry experts due to the global distribution of these products and their frequent use in schools and nurseries.
If the health authorities insist for the moment on the absence of evidence of a generalized immediate danger, the repetition of international alerts and the presence of a particularly dangerous asbestos fiber place this file under close surveillance.
Without transparency on the origin of raw materials and without reinforced controls on imported toys, this affair could well become one of the next major health issues linked to children’s products.