Australia's peak environmental health advisory body has issued fresh advice after trace amounts of asbestos were detected in children's play sand products.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday issued a recall notice for the coloured sand products after laboratory testing detected traces of two types of naturally occurring asbestos.
The move prompted the ACT to close 15 schools and three preschools as a precaution. One school in Brisbane was also closed.
On Friday, the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) — which advises the Australian Health Protection Committee (AHPC) on environmental health policy — issued interim advice about the products.
"National regulators and agencies are collaborating with multiple health authorities to ensure precaution, consistency and public safety across the country as the situation unfolds," the advice states.
"While further analysis is underway, regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimise any potential risk."
The committee said education providers, retailers and families should stop using any identified products and follow recall and disposal instructions.
"Preliminary assessment indicates that there is a low risk to human health from these products," it said.
"Based on the currently available information, we do not recommend any clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with these products."
If the sand is still in its packaging, it should be placed in a heavy-duty plastic bag, sealed with tape and stored securely while awaiting further disposal advice.
enHealth recommends cleaning up areas where the product has been used with wet cloths to avoid generating dust, and using gloves, a mask and disposable coveralls before storing the material in a secure location.
"If possible, keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned," it says.
What are the sand products that have been recalled?
The recalled products — sold at retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art — include:
- Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
- Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)
- Kadink Decorative Sand (10g 6 pack)
Australia's consumer watchdog recently issues a recall notice for Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours — Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics — Coloured Sand (1kg). Source: Supplied / ACCC
Asbestos, a hazardous material that can cause terminal diseases, has been banned in Australia since 2003 and is not allowed to be imported except in very limited circumstances.
Inhalation of asbestos can lead to an increased incidence of some respiratory diseases, including lung cancers.
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