Schools close in New Zealand after play sand recalled over asbestos fears

"Multiple schools have temporarily closed in New Zealand and hundreds of education facilities are seeking advice from officials after asbestos was detected in several brands of widely used coloured play sand. Last week, the ministry for business, innovation and employment confirmed a voluntary recall was under way for two brands of coloured sand sold in New Zealand, after testing in Australia found asbestos in similar products."

"The recall was expanded on Saturday, after the faculty of asbestos management of Australia and New Zealand identified tremolite asbestos in four additional sand products the 14-piece sandcastle building set and the blue, green and pink Magic Sand sets sold at major retailer, Kmart. Testing of a range of similar products is under way, so at this point we cannot say for certain if these are the only products that are contaminated, said Ian Caplin, the ministry's product safety spokesperson said on Saturday."

"Tremolite asbestos is a naturally occurring form of asbestos. The Australian competition and consumer commission said respirable asbestos had not been detected in its samples, and the release of fibres was unlikely, unless the sand was crushed or pulverised. The risk that any asbestos found is likely to be airborne or fine enough for inhalation is low, it said. However, officials in both Australia and New Zealand advised education providers and individuals who had brought the products to immediately stop using the sand,"

Asbestos (tremolite) was detected in several brands of coloured play sand sold in New Zealand, prompting a voluntary recall that was expanded after further testing. Four additional products were identified, including a 14-piece sandcastle building set and blue, green and pink Magic Sand sets sold at Kmart, and testing of similar products is under way. The Australian competition and consumer commission found no respirable asbestos in its samples and considered fibre release unlikely unless the sand was crushed, but officials advised immediate cessation of use and safe disposal. Around 150 schools and 90 early childhood centres sought advice and multiple schools temporarily closed.

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