Rangoli Powders Found Containing Asbestos
Five rangoli products sold in New Zealand have been found to contain asbestos, prompting recalls of 24 coloured sand products.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Asthma
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Would you avoid letting children play with coloured decorative powders?
Five rangoli products sold in New Zealand have been found to contain asbestos since January, and 24 coloured sand products have been recalled there. Similar products have also been recalled in Australia, Japan, the US, the UK, and parts of Europe.
Why it matters
Research by Auckland University of Technology found airborne asbestos in 90% of play sand products tested, raising concern about inhalation risk from dry, decorative sand similar to rangoli powders. Asbestos is a known cause of serious lung disease, making contamination in everyday decorative products a public health issue.
The airborne-asbestos figure comes from Auckland University of Technology testing of play sand products, not rangoli powders directly. The specific rangoli products have not been tested for airborne fibres, and no asbestos contamination has been confirmed in products sold in India.
The players
Auckland University of Technology
A public university in Auckland, New Zealand, whose researchers tested play sand products and found airborne asbestos in 90% of samples.
The details
Contaminated rangoli products were identified in New Zealand, leading to the recall of 24 coloured sand products there. Similar recalls have been issued in Australia, Japan, the US, the UK, and parts of Europe, and Bengaluru doctors have advised caution for buyers.
Timeline
January 2026: Asbestos findings in New Zealand rangoli products began.
November 5, 2026: Coverage on asbestos concerns ahead of Deepavali was published.
Health Landscape
The AUT airborne-asbestos research on play sand products is the key scientific basis for these recalls, extending concern from children's play materials to decorative powders. The findings add to a body of evidence showing that asbestos can persist in consumer products long after its ban in many countries.
Anyone who has used rangoli or coloured sand products should avoid dry sweeping or inhaling dust from them. Consumers concerned about exposure should check for recall notices and consult a doctor if they experience persistent breathing symptoms.
The takeaway
Decorative products that look harmless can still carry serious health risks, so checking for recalls before use is a practical step for households. Asbestos exposure is linked to lung disease, and avoiding dust from suspect products reduces that risk.
Further reading
Learn more about lung-related hazards in the Asthma section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
Live Poll
Would you avoid letting children play with coloured decorative powders?
