Schools Urged to Act on Asbestos Contamination Fears in Sand Products

Concerns over potential asbestos contamination have prompted **30 schools** and **30 early childhood services** in New Zealand to contact the **Ministry of Education**. This follows a recall alert issued for certain coloured sand products, specifically **EC Rainbow Sand** and **Creatistics – Coloured Sand**, which may contain hazardous materials.

The recall notice was published on **October 25, 2023**, and includes products sold at various retailers such as **Paper Plus**, **Hobby Land**, **New Zealand School Shop**, **Office Products Depot**, **Discount Office**, **Acquire**, and **Qizzle**. Reports indicate that these products have been widely used in educational settings for activities, raising alarms among parents and educators.

In response to the situation, **Sean Hautū**, operations and integration leader at the Ministry of Education, confirmed that the ministry is currently assessing how prevalent the affected sand products are within schools and early learning services. “We are working diligently to gather information from schools regarding the use of these products,” Hautū stated.

Investigation and Precautions

The Ministry is collaborating with health and safety authorities to determine the level of risk associated with the contaminated sand. Immediate actions include advising schools to stop using the affected products and to conduct thorough checks of their supplies. Parents are encouraged to speak with school administrations if they have concerns regarding specific products.

As asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues, including lung diseases, the urgency of the situation has heightened. While no incidents of illness have been reported, the Ministry emphasizes the importance of taking precautionary measures.

“Protection of our children and staff is our top priority,” Hautū added. The Ministry is expected to provide further guidance as investigations progress.

Community Response and Next Steps

The recall has led to a wave of concern among parents and educators, many of whom are seeking reassurance regarding the safety of their children. Community forums and meetings are being organized to discuss the implications of the recall and to share information on how to safely dispose of any potentially contaminated products.

In light of this incident, schools are reminded to remain vigilant about the materials they use in classrooms and to adhere closely to safety regulations concerning product recalls. The Ministry of Education plans to release additional updates as more information becomes available.

As the investigation continues, it remains crucial for schools and early childhood services to prioritize student safety and maintain open lines of communication with parents and authorities. The Ministry has committed to ensuring transparency throughout the process, aiming to mitigate any potential risks associated with the affected sand products.