Exclusive: New study contradicts statements that play products removed from shelves because of asbestos concerns were ‘low risk’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Colourful children’s play sand that was sold in Australia while contaminated with asbestos can release hazardous airborne fibres of the toxic mineral, researchers have discovered. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the lead researcher of the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) study, which found 90% of craft sand samples released asbestos into the air when played with, confirmed the products had been sold in Australia.