Professor Ian Shaw discusses new research on Herald NOW, urging parents with kids exposed to asbestos sand to get them checked annually.
Parents are being urged to ensure children exposed to asbestos-contaminated play sand receive regular health checks into adulthood, amid rising cancer concerns.
This rise in health concerns comes after a plethora of play sand warnings and recalls across the country.
In November, investigations foundtremolite asbestos in coloured play sand used in many Kiwi homes and schools.
This discovery prompted school closures, product recalls, disposal of contaminated sand, and deep cleaning to prevent further exposure.
Toxicology and law experts have since called for more to be done to monitor those exposed and prevent similar incidents in future.
In the latest Public Health Communication Centre Briefing, researchers outlined the risks of New Zealand’s “unprecedented” asbestos exposure event.
The researchers called for ongoing monitoring of affected children and the strengthening of border controls to prevent contaminated products from entering the country in the first place.
University of Canterbury toxicologist Professor Ian Shaw said children who inhaled asbestos fibres face a dose-dependent risk of health issues later in life.
He said asbestos is a carcinogen that causes mesothelioma and other cancers.
“Although tremolite poses a lower cancer risk than crocidolite, analyses confirmed the presence of the more hazardous fibrous form,” Shaw said.
“The magnitude of children’s exposure cannot be quantified, though inhalation exposure is considered likely.”
“Long lag times mean cases often emerge decades after exposure. Once carcinogenesis is initiated it, cannot be reversed, but early diagnosis may improve treatment outcomes,” Shaw said.
He said this is why it is recommended that exposed children receive regular medical monitoring into adulthood to support earlier identification of disease.
Some coloured sand products have been recalled over asbestos contamination fears. Photo / Supplied
The briefing recommended reinstating and expanding the voluntary Asbestos Exposure Register, which stopped accepting new entries in 2023.
Asbestos-contaminated play sand was first identified during routine testing in Australia in November and reported to authorities in New Zealand.
Although New Zealand prohibits the import of asbestos-containing products unless permitted, there is no requirement to routinely test goods at the border.
Coloured sand products sold by Kmart NZ have tested positive for tremolite asbestos.
University of Auckland professor of commercial law Alex Sims said the Consumer Guarantees Act provides avenues for redress for consumers once harm occurs.
This excludes medical cost and loss of income, as that is covered by ACC.
She said this does not prevent contaminated products from entering the country.
“Clearly there is a need for legislation requiring asbestos testing of products at risk of contamination at the importer’s expense, before they are released into the NZ market,” Sims said.
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