\ Two coloured-sand products have been recalled over asbestos contamination fears.
\ Two coloured-sand products have been recalled over asbestos contamination fears.
Multiple schools have temporarily closed after finding coloured sand on-site that may be contaminated with asbestos.
Two coloured-sand products, EC Rainbow Sand and Creatistics – Coloured Sand, had recall notices issued this week over potential asbestos contamination.
The Ministry of Education said 72 early learning services and 55 schools andkura had made contact about the sands, with more than half of these reporting having the recalled brands on-site.
“Five early learning services and two schools have informed us they are temporarily closed or planning to close to address possible contamination with a licensed asbestos removalist,” said the Education Ministry’s leader of operations and integration, Sean Teddy.
“We appreciate that the potential presence of asbestos in products that are used by children is concerning for parents and caregivers.
“We are recommending they contact Healthline with any health concerns they may have about their children who may have come into contact with the product.”
Previously, Teddy said officials had alerted schools and early learning services to advise them to take a precautionary approach, stop using the products immediately and notify the ministry if the product is in use at their location.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said the products were sold at retailers including Paper Plus, Hobby Land, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Discount Office, Acquire and Qizzle.
MBIE also said the sands could have been sold online.
The Education Ministry says 72 early learning services and 55 schools and kura have contacted it about coloured sands that could be contaminated with asbestos.
“We are taking immediate precautionary action, while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product,” said MBIE product safety spokesman Ian Caplin.
“We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or potential use in a workplace, to act immediately.
“Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals; a list of these is available on the WorkSafe website.”
Consumers have been encouraged to contact the supplier of the sands to organise a refund once the product has been secured.
MBIE encouraged workplaces to contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support, and encouraged anyone using the sand to put it down and move to a well-ventilated area.
Exposure to asbestos fibres can pose significant health risks and could lead to a range of serious lung diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
