Asbestos in Coloured Sand? Here’s How to Handle It Safely

Coloured sand has long been used in Queensland homes, schools, and commercial properties for decorative finishes, textured coatings, craft projects, renders, and landscape materials. While modern coloured sands are safe, many older formulations, especially those used before asbestos was banned, may contain asbestos fibres. This can present a serious health risk if the material is disturbed.

Whether you’re renovating an older property, restoring decorative finishes, or dealing with school playground materials, understanding the risks associated with coloured sand is essential. This blog explores where asbestos may be found, signs that coloured sand products could contain asbestos, and the safest way to manage or remove them.

Why Asbestos Was Used in Coloured Sand Products

During the mid-20th century, asbestos was added to a wide range of building materials because of its durability, insulation properties, and resistance to heat. In coloured sand products, it was often used to:

• Improve binding strength in textured wall coatings
• Increase durability for exterior renders
• Add bulk and stability to decorative finishes
• Provide fire resistance in certain construction mixes

Asbestos-containing coloured sands were particularly common in:

• Schools and childcare centres
• Community halls
• Exterior wall coatings on older Queensland homes
• Textured ceiling or wall finishes
• Decorative masonry and concrete products

Any property built or renovated before 1990, and especially before 1985, may contain products made with asbestos.

Where Asbestos-Containing Coloured Sand May Still Be Found

1. Textured Wall and Ceiling Coatings

Many older textured finishes, including sprayed coatings, popcorn ceilings, Pebblecrete-style surfaces, and gritty render mixes, used coloured sand binders that incorporated asbestos fibres. These coatings were popular for their durability and unique appearance, especially in mid-century Queensland homes. Because these surfaces age and deteriorate over time, they may release fibres if disturbed during renovations.

2. External Render & Decorative Cement Finishes

Exterior coatings commonly used in Queensland’s older homes may contain coloured sand products mixed with asbestos, especially those designed for weather resistance. These finishes were often applied to protect against heat and moisture, making them a standard choice for decades. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause cracking, making professional assessment important before any work is carried out.

3. School and Playground Surfaces

Some older playground surfacing materials used coloured sand products mixed with asbestos, although this is less common today. These products were chosen for durability and texture in high-traffic areas like schoolyards. Many older facilities still contain legacy materials, so caution is needed when upgrading or repairing these spaces.

4. Decorative Pathways and Garden Edges

Coloured sand stabilisers were sometimes mixed into cement paths, stepping stones, and garden features. These materials were valued for their aesthetic appeal and long-lasting finish. As they weather, chip, or erode, they may become more susceptible to disturbance, making proper inspection essential.

5. Craft and Art Materials (Pre-1980s)

Occasionally, older art supplies, especially imported products, included coloured sands blended with asbestos, though this is now rare. These materials were commonly used for decorative crafts, school projects, and artistic finishes. While uncommon today, older stock found in storage sheds or classrooms should be treated with caution.

Why Asbestos in Coloured Sand Is Dangerous

The danger arises when asbestos fibres become airborne. Coloured sand-based materials can deteriorate or release fibres when they are:

• Sanded
• Scraped
• Drilled
• Cut
• Weathered or crumbling
• Removed during renovations
• Cracked due to age or moisture damage

Once airborne, asbestos fibres can be inhaled and lodge in the lungs. Exposure is linked to:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Chronic respiratory diseases

Even minimal exposure may be hazardous, and fibres cannot be seen with the naked eye.

How to Tell if Coloured Sand Contains Asbestos

Unfortunately, you cannot identify asbestos just by looking at it. Coloured sand, textured coatings, and render mixes look similar whether they contain asbestos or not.

However, the following factors may indicate a higher likelihood:

• The material dates from before 1990
• It has a gritty, textured feel
• It is part of an older wall or ceiling coating
• It appears to be a cement-based mixture
• The building is known to contain other ACMs
• The material is cracking, weathering, or powdery

The only reliable way to confirm asbestos is through laboratory testing by a NATA-accredited facility.

Never attempt to take a sample yourself without proper training. A licensed asbestos assessor is the safest option.

Testing Coloured Sand for Asbestos

If you suspect coloured sand or textured coatings may contain asbestos, testing is essential. The safest approach is to engage a:

• Licensed asbestos assessor, or
• Competent professional trained in sampling

These professionals follow strict procedures to prevent fibre release and ensure accurate testing.

A lab will then examine the sample using polarised light microscopy or similar methods to determine if asbestos is present.

What to Do If Your Coloured Sand Contains Asbestos

If testing confirms the presence of asbestos, or if there is strong reason to suspect it, the safest course of action is to avoid disturbing it. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that are intact and in good condition may pose minimal risk if left undisturbed.

However, if renovation, repair, or removal is necessary, a licensed asbestos removalist must handle the process, especially for friable materials, which coloured sand coatings can become when aged or damaged.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Removal

Coloured sand bases can quickly become friable when disturbed, making them high-risk. DIY removal is unsafe because:

• Fibres can become airborne easily
• Disturbance can contaminate surrounding areas
• Proper containment and extraction tools are required
• Strict disposal rules apply
• Air monitoring is often needed
• Queensland law restricts removal of certain materials to licensed professionals

Hiring a licensed asbestos removalist ensures the job is handled safely, legally, and with certified clearance.

Safe Management Options for Asbestos-Containing Coloured Sand

Depending on the condition of the material, professionals may recommend:

1. Encapsulation or Sealing

If the material is in good condition, sealing it may be safer than removal. Encapsulation involves applying a protective barrier over the surface to lock in fibres and prevent deterioration. This method reduces the risk of airborne fibres while preserving the existing finish, making it a cost-effective alternative for intact surfaces. It is particularly suitable for areas that are unlikely to be disturbed frequently.

2. Enclosure

This method includes covering the asbestos-containing material with a new surface, such as plasterboard or another protective layer, to prevent access or disturbance. Enclosure effectively isolates the material from everyday activities, minimising the risk of accidental fibre release. It is often used in renovation projects where removal would be more hazardous or expensive.

3. Professional Removal 

For damaged, deteriorating, or renovation-affected materials, licensed asbestos removal is the safest and often only legal solution. Removal ensures complete elimination of the hazard and compliance with Queensland’s strict regulations. Professionals follow controlled procedures, including air monitoring, containment, and safe disposal, to protect both occupants and workers.

4. Ongoing Monitoring

If the material is to remain, a monitoring plan ensures it stays in safe condition over time. Regular inspections assess any changes in condition, such as cracks, erosion, or moisture damage, which could increase fibre release risk. Monitoring also helps maintain compliance with workplace and safety regulations, giving peace of mind to homeowners and building managers alike.

How Professionals Remove Asbestos in Coloured Sand

Because coloured sand coatings can become friable, their removal requires strict safety controls. While we cannot provide step-by-step procedures, licensed asbestos removalists typically:

• Establish controlled work zones
• Use specialised extraction and containment equipment
• Follow regulated PPE and decontamination processes
• Conduct air monitoring (mandatory for friable asbestos)
• Ensure certified disposal at authorised facilities
• Provide a clearance certificate after safe completion

This ensures full compliance with Queensland’s regulations and protects occupants and workers.

Legal Requirements for Removal in Queensland

Under Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Regulation, removal of asbestos-containing coloured sand may require:

• Class A licence for friable asbestos
• Class B licence for bonded materials
• Notification to WHSQ prior to removal
• Independent clearance inspection after the work

Homeowners and businesses are legally responsible for ensuring that only licensed professionals undertake regulated removal work.

Disposing of Asbestos-Contaminated Coloured Sand

Asbestos waste must be:

• Sealed properly
• Clearly labelled
• Transported safely
• Taken only to licensed disposal facilities

Illegal dumping carries severe penalties and poses serious health risks.

Licensed removalists handle disposal as part of the service, ensuring everything is compliant and safe.

When to Call a Professional

You should contact a licensed asbestos removalist if:

• The coloured sand material predates 1990
• The surface is damaged, crumbling, or powdery
• Renovations require disturbing the coating
• You suspect asbestos but are unsure
• You need testing or a professional opinion
• You require legal compliance for a sale or lease

In almost all cases, dealing with asbestos-containing coloured sand is not a DIY task.

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe and Stay Informed

Coloured sand may seem harmless, but older formulations used in Queensland buildings can contain asbestos, posing risks if disturbed. The safest approach is always caution: assume older textured or coloured sand materials may contain asbestos until proven otherwise.

By understanding the risks, following Queensland asbestos regulations, and engaging licensed professionals, you can ensure your home or workplace remains safe for everyone.