Safety with specific products
Information about buying and using particular products that are known to pose potential safety risks.
In this section
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Toughened glass
While toughened glass is tough and long lasting, it does sometimes shatter.
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Ladders
Ladders pose a risk of injury if not used, stored and maintained properly.
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Wheat bags
Wheat bags pose a risk of fire or injury if not used properly.
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Hot water bottles
New hot water bottles that don't meet the specified version of the British Standard are banned under an Unsafe Goods Notice.
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Formaldehyde in clothing
Formaldehyde is used in a variety of industries, including the textile industry. We recommend washing and airing new clothes before wearing them.
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Button batteries
Button batteries pose serious and potentially fatal risks if swallowed. Insertion into the ears or nose can also have serious consequences.
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High-powered magnets
Small high powered magnets can pose serious health risks if swallowed. Some of these magnets are now banned from sale in New Zealand.
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Super-absorbent polymer beads
Super-absorbent polymer beads may present a choking risk, particularly to children.
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Home mechanics and asbestos (advisory)
Home mechanic servicing may expose you to asbestos fibres, particularly when working on brake pads or shoes, gaskets and clutch plates.