“So far today, we’ve been contacted by around 30 schools and 30 early childhood services from around the country,” he said.
“We are working with them to validate if the product they have on site is the product that is being recalled, as well as if the product they have is in active use or not.”
Hautū said the ministry would have a better idea of the number of schools and early learning services affected by the end of Friday.
He said officials alerted schools and early learning services to advise them to take a precautionary approach, stop using the products immediately and notify the ministry if the product is in use at their location.
“The advice included instructions for how to dispose of the product safely.
“We appreciate that the potential presence of asbestos in products that are used by children is concerning for parents and caregivers.
Schools and early learning services have been advised to stop using the affected coloured sand products immediately. Photo / Supplied
“We are continuing to work closely with MBIE [Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment], WorkSafe and Health New Zealand to provide guidance as we learn more about how widely the product is in use and its potential health risks.”
MBIE said the products could have also been sold online.
“We are taking immediate precautionary action while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product,” said MBIE product safety spokesman Ian Caplin.
“We urge anyone who has bought these products, either for personal use or potential use in a workplace, to act immediately.
“Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place and arrange for safe disposal through licensed professionals; a list of these is available on the WorkSafe website.”
Exposure to asbestos fibres can pose significant health risks and could lead to a range of serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
“Asbestos is a serious health hazard and we are working with Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the Ministry of Education and WorkSafe to provide guidance for consumers and workplaces which may have bought these products,” Caplin said.
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