Wellington: Multiple schools across New Zealand have been forced to temporarily close, while hundreds of education providers have requested official guidance, after asbestos was detected in several brands of popular coloured play sand.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed last week that a voluntary recall was in progress for two coloured sand brands sold in New Zealand, following Australian tests that revealed asbestos in similar products.
The situation escalated when the Faculty of Asbestos Management of Australia and New Zealand found tremolite asbestos in four additional sand items, the 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set and the blue, green, and pink Magic Sand sets, available at major retailer Kmart.
Testing of related products continues, meaning authorities cannot yet confirm whether other items may also be contaminated. “At this stage, we cannot say for certain if these are the only products affected,” said Ian Caplin, spokesperson for product safety at the ministry.
Tremolite asbestos is a naturally occurring form of asbestos. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) stated that while respirable asbestos was not detected in its own samples, fibre release was unlikely unless the sand was crushed or pulverised.
“The risk that any asbestos present is likely to become airborne or fine enough to be inhaled is low,” the ACCC said.
Despite the low assessed risk, both Australian and New Zealand officials have advised schools, early childhood centres, and individuals who purchased the affected products to stop using the sand immediately and follow recommended safe-disposal procedures.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Education reported that by November 16, 150 schools and 90 early childhood centres had contacted officials for advice. Although the ministry could not confirm how many facilities would close on November 17, several schools notified their communities via websites and social media.
Clearview Primary School in Rolleston, in New Zealand’s South Island, informed parents that it would close for up to three days ‘out of an abundance of caution,’ with professional asbestos testing scheduled for all classrooms.
Tuia Burnside Primary School in Christchurch also announced a closure for November 17, stating that while the risk to staff and students was considered very low, WorkSafe had recommended temporary closure to allow testing and ensure the safety of all learning spaces.
The Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Sean Teddy, acknowledged that parents and caregivers were understandably anxious about asbestos exposure. Teddy encouraged families to contact Healthline if they had any health concerns regarding children who may have come into contact with the sand.
In Australia, the issue has already led to significant disruption, with more than 70 public schools and preschools in the Australian Capital Territory closing after authorities raised the alarm over potential asbestos contamination in coloured sand products.
ALSO READ | South Wales declares major incident after severe flooding
