“The release of respirable asbestos fibres is unlikely to occur in its current state, unless the sand is processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising.”
As a precaution, consumers are still being advised to stop using products with the batch codes 43262052 and 43418039.
Multiple brands of coloured play sand tested positive for asbestos last month, prompting the closure of at least 16 schools and seven early learning services around the motu.
The latest recall brings the number of products affected by asbestos contamination up to nine, stoking fears amongst parents about their children’s exposure to the poisonous mineral.
While asbestos does not cause immediate health issues, the Ministry of Health said prolonged exposure can pose long-term risks.
“The risk of developing asbestos-related health conditions, such as some types of cancer and lung disease, is linked to the nature and quantity of asbestos and the length of time a person was exposed to it.
“For most people who have these products at home, the quantities will be very small.”
The full list of recalled sand products is available here.
If you have bought a recalled product:
Stop using the product immediately.
Don’t let children touch or play with the sand.
Place the sand in a sealed container, then double-bag in thick plastic, seal with tape, and clearly label as “asbestos-contaminated material”.
Don’t dispose of it in household rubbish or vacuum it up. Contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely.
Refer to the clean-up and disposal instructions at this Health NZ webpage.
Once the product is secure, people should contact their retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
For further advice, call the MBIE consumer line 0508 426 678.