(Sydney) Several children's sand toys in Australia and New Zealand have been found to contain toxic asbestos fibers. Authorities are recalling the affected products for further testing, and more than 70 schools in both countries have closed for cleanup.
Asbestos is a natural mineral fiber that was once widely used in construction due to its heat-resistant properties. However, research has confirmed a clear link between lung cancer and long-term exposure to white asbestos.
Australia and New Zealand have banned asbestos. However, recent laboratory tests have found trace amounts of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos in several colored sand toys commonly used in school sensory games.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a notice last Wednesday (November 12) requiring a nationwide recall of products supplied by Education Colors. Major supermarket chains Kmart and Target also added a recall over the weekend for a 14-piece sandcastle set and blue, green, and pink "magic sand."
Local governments stated that as of Monday (November 17), more than 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory had closed for testing and cleanup.
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At least five schools in New Zealand that day used Kmart sand toys were closed due to asbestos testing, and more than 120 other schools contacted government departments out of concern about using recalled sand products.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said that tests had not found any inhalable asbestos fibers in the product samples, and the risk was low. Australian Capital Territory Education Minister Berry stated that the health risks to students and staff were low, but school closures could last for several days.
New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment product safety spokesperson, Caplin, urged families who had purchased these sand toys to stop using them immediately.
