Wellington: Asbestos contamination in children’s play sand imported from China has led to a series of school closures across New Zealand, according to the country’s education department. The contamination scare has prompted urgent actions in both New Zealand and Australia to assess the extent of the issue.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, hundreds of schools across both countries have been scrambling to determine whether they have been using the affected sand products. In New Zealand, 40 schools and daycare centres have been closed as authorities work to locate and remove the contaminated sand. Similarly, more than 70 schools were shut down in Australia earlier this week as a precautionary measure.
New Zealand’s workplace safety regulator identified the contaminant as chrysotile asbestos, commonly used in the past for its heat-resistant properties. WorkSafe New Zealand explained that this type of sand, imported from China, is often used in classroom activities and various decorative and craft applications.
While asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre, its health risks are well-documented. Long-term exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibres is linked to lung cancer, raising concerns about its presence in environments frequented by children.
Australia’s product safety watchdog, however, has indicated that the immediate risk is low. Tests conducted so far have not detected breathable asbestos fibres, suggesting that the sand in its current state is unlikely to release harmful particles unless mechanically processed.
“The risk of any asbestos found being airborne or fine enough for inhalation is low,” the watchdog stated, providing some reassurance amid the ongoing concerns.