NVWA bans five play sand products over asbestos concerns
The NVWA has found asbestos in five play sand products, exceeding legal limits, and has banned their sale. While most tested products are safe, health risks of low-level asbestos exposure remain under investigation, urging caution for parents and caregivers.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Total products tested | 99 (10 more pending) |
| Products below legal limit | 29 (0.000005% to 0.1% asbestos) |
| Products above legal limit | 5 (0.15% to 0.42% asbestos) |
| Banned products | Coloured sand 1 kg – Anthony Peters, Sensory wooden blocks – TickiT, Decorative pebbles blue – Decosand, High-quality cream-coloured decorative sand – HEKU |
| Health risk assessment | Ongoing; results expected in a few weeks |
| Precautionary advice | Avoid using play sand until further notice |
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) is responsible for monitoring the safety of consumer products, including play sand. Its role includes enforcing legal standards, conducting inspections, and ensuring public health by removing unsafe products from the market.
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NVWA study: majority of play sand meets standards
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) has conducted research into the presence of asbestos in play sand. This was carried out by an accredited laboratory. So far, the results of 99 play sand products are known. In 65 of these, no asbestos was detected. In 29 products, a very small amount was found, ranging from 0.000005 to 0.01%. This is below the legal limit of 0.1%. In 5 products, more asbestos was found than the legal limit. The quantities ranged from 0.15 to 0.42%. The NVWA has informed the companies involved that these 5 products may no longer be sold. The NVWA has also urged the companies to issue a public warning. At present, about 10 more products are still being tested. The results will follow as soon as possible.
The 5 play sand products that do not meet the legal standard are:
- Coloured sand 1 kg – Anthony Peters
- Sensory wooden blocks filled with, among other things, coloured sand – TickiT
- Decorative pebbles blue – Decosand (Buyers have been directly informed)
- High-quality cream-coloured decorative sand (750 g) – HEKU (Sold via Amazon)
Risk assessment
The NVWA and RIVM are currently investigating whether playing with sand containing asbestos poses a health risk, even if it is a small amount below the legal limit. The risk assessment is expected to be available in a few weeks. Until the health risk is clear, the precautionary advice remains not to use play sand.
All results to be made public
The NVWA will publish an overview of all play sand products tested, along with the corresponding laboratory results and whether the product poses a health risk. This will only happen once the risk assessment is complete. Publishing such data must be done carefully, which is why rules apply. The NVWA is currently taking the steps necessary to publish the overview as soon as possible. This is expected to take a few more weeks.
Research setup
Researching the possible presence of asbestos in play sand is complex and must be done carefully, which is why it takes time. First, the NVWA identified which products fall under the term play sand. Then, more than 100 different products were ordered or collected from companies. Some ordered products have still not been received.
The NVWA does not have its own laboratory capable of testing for asbestos. Therefore, through the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, a skilled and authorised laboratory was commissioned. In this laboratory, the products were first tested for the presence of asbestos. For products in which asbestos was detected, the quantity was then determined using a more precise method. This is important because it shows whether products meet the legal limit. The amount of asbestos is also necessary for assessing the risk.