In New Zealand, numerous schools have temporarily shut down, and hundreds of educational facilities are seeking guidance from officials due to the detection of asbestos in various brands of popular colored play sand. This development follows last week’s confirmation by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment of a voluntary recall for two brands of colored sand sold in the country, after similar products tested positive for asbestos in Australia.
The recall expanded over the weekend after the Faculty of Asbestos Management of Australia and New Zealand identified tremolite asbestos in four additional sand products, notably the 14-piece sandcastle building set and the blue, green, and pink Magic Sand sets sold at Kmart, a major retailer. Ian Caplin, a spokesperson for the ministry’s product safety, mentioned that testing of a wider range of similar products is ongoing, leaving the total scope of contamination uncertain at this time.
Tremolite asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its use in certain industrial applications. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has indicated that respirable asbestos was not detected in their samples and that airborne fibers would likely not pose a threat unless the sand were crushed or pulverized. Nonetheless, authorities in both Australia and New Zealand have advised immediate cessation of usage for the implicated products and provided guidelines for their safe disposal.
As of Sunday, New Zealand’s Ministry of Education reported that 150 schools and 90 early childhood centers had sought official advice. Though they could not confirm the exact number of school closures on Monday, many institutions took to their websites and social media to inform their communities of the situation. Clearview Primary School in Rolleston announced it would remain closed for up to three days to allow for thorough asbestos testing in classrooms, while Tuia Burnside Primary School in Christchurch also opted for closure as a precaution, stating that the risk to staff and students was low, but prioritizing safety through proper testing.
Sean Teddy, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, acknowledged that parents and caregivers may feel understandably concerned about the presence of asbestos. He urged those with health-related worries about potential exposure to reach out to Healthline for advice.
This response highlights a proactive approach from educational authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff alike. The situation emphasizes the importance of vigilance regarding product safety and adherence to health guidelines to prevent potential risks associated with hazardous materials.