Quite a few schools and early learning centers within the Australian Capital Territory Closed on Fridays After asbestos was present in coloured sand used for youngsters's art and sensory play. At least one school In Brisbane Also closed because of potential exposure.
On Thursday, the WorkSafe Act Pollution notice issued After laboratory testing, traces of chrysotile, a style of asbestos, were confirmed in Kadnik decorative sand.
After that A recall notice Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for Educational Colors Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Creative Colored Sand in Various Colors (1kg) and Kidnik Sand (1.3kg). This was brought on by a distinct style of asbestos, tremolite.
The sand from the recall was manufactured in China and sold by Australian retailers including Officeworks and Woolworths.
Australian competition and consumer competition.
Parents are understandably concerned about children's potential exposure to asbestos, which has been banned In Australia since 2003. But the risks on this case are low. Here's what it’s essential to know — and the best way to do away with contaminated sand safely.
What was present in the sand?
There are six different ones Types of asbestos. All are dangerous.
According to the agency issuing the warning, details about what sorts of these sand products have been detected varies:
-
ACCC recall Says the product “may contain tremolite asbestos”
-
Work Safe QLD Says they “contain a low level of termolite and/or chrysotile asbestos”.
-
Work Safe Act says Examination of it (Candinic sand) found that it “contains crystals”.
Fortunately, probably the most dangerous type – Crocodolite asbestos or “blue” asbestos – just isn’t reported as a contaminant.
According to ACCCthe recalled products have been sold in Australia between 2020 and 2025. But if regular testing has occurred, it is probably going that the contamination is more moderen, and should be limited to a single batch. However, we would not have the data at this stage.
How can it find yourself in sand?
The children's play sand was manufactured overseas, and we don’t know the way it’s contaminated. But there are a lot of possibilities.
If the sand was taken from a beach then it’s unlikely to be contaminated with asbestos. But if the sand was produced by crushing rocks, it's possible asbestos—a naturally occurring mineral—might have been within the source product.
Asbestos remains to be used as a heat insulating material or as a constructing product In many places In the world it’s subsequently also possible that the processes used to paint the sand could also be one other potential source of pollution.
What are the health risks? Are children more vulnerable?
Asbestos is most dangerous when it becomes airborne and will be inhaled, for instance through the demolition and renovation of old homes, where it was a standard constructing material.
Inhaling any type of asbestos (fibres, dust, microparticles) may cause Mesothelioma – a cancer that affects the tissues of the organs, especially the lungs – in addition to lung cancer and Asbestosisa chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath.
There isn’t any protected level of exposure. However the risks Increase with money You have been exposed.
This signifies that small amounts will be dangerous. But people who find themselves exposed to small amounts of asbestos a couple of times have a much lower risk of developing health complications than people exposed to large amounts consistently, as we've seen in the development and mining industries.
We don't have much research on the consequences in children. But we all know that somebody younger is exposed, High risk Will they promote cancer or asbestosis? This is because health effects can take a long time to develop. So younger individuals usually tend to live long enough to see them emerge.
So, what's the chance?
The WorkSafe Act has not promulgated levels found through lab testing. But a press release says its website: “The risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low.” It shows that only a few levels were found.
The potential for exposure must be taken very seriously, as asbestos will be fatal. But this just isn’t a cause for panic. In this case the chance is low.
Remember, it's possible Everyone has been exposed At some point, we’re exposed to asbestos, but most of us don't report health complications consequently.
How should I eliminate sand safely?
Detailed instructions can be found Work Safe Act.
You should wear:
- Disposable gloves, cuffs were tucked in, and any gaps were sealed with tape
- A P2-rated face mask (not a typical dust mask)
- Safety glasses.
When disposing of sand:
- Do every thing possible to maintain dust or fibers out of the air
- Carefully double-wrap the sand, its container, and associated materials in a heavy-duty (200 micron) plastic bag.
- Seal with tape and clearly label the package as asbestos waste.
Information about asbestos disposal in your state or territory is accessible from the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Disposal Agency. Website.
If you’re apprehensive About your exposure or your childcontact your GP.