More than 70 schools across Australia and New Zealand have been temporarily closed for cleaning after asbestos traces were found in several children’s play sand products. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued national recalls for various colorful play sand items following laboratory tests that identified the presence of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos.
The closures began in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) on Friday, in response to the ACCC’s announcement, affecting numerous schools and preschools. The products involved were supplied by Educational Colours, prompting immediate safety measures to protect students, staff, and the broader community. The ACT government noted the widespread use of these sand products in public schools necessitated these precautionary closures for thorough assessment and cleaning.
The situation escalated over the weekend when major retailers, including Kmart and Target, recalled specific items like a 14-piece sandcastle building set and packs of colored magic sand. By Monday, more than 70 schools in the ACT had shut their doors to manage this potential health risk effectively.
Asbestos is a known carcinogen that poses serious health risks when particles are inhaled or ingested, and its use is banned in both Australia and New Zealand. Thankfully, the ACCC reported that no respiratory asbestos particles were present in the tested samples, which minimizes immediate concerns regarding airborne asbestos. Nonetheless, they emphasize the importance of caution due to the associated health risks.
In New Zealand, at least five schools using the affected products have also been closed for asbestos testing. Additionally, over 120 more schools have reached out to the government, suspecting the use of the hazardous sand products. Ian Caplin, a spokesperson for New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, acknowledged the concerns of parents and advised families to stop using the potentially dangerous products immediately.
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for rigorous product safety measures and swift action to protect the health of students in educational environments. As communities come together to address these health threats, the proactive steps being taken to assess and clear schools contribute to the broader goal of ensuring a safer environment for all children.