More coloured sand products have returned positive results for asbestos, with around 1300 units sold at discount stores across the country, officials say.
Two further brands were added to the recall list this afternoon as government and independent testing remain ongoing into potential play sand contamination.
Approximately 800 units of Rainbow Sand Art Toy and 500 units of Craft Sand 380g were “sold at various discount stores nationwide”.
One product was identified in tests done as part of the ongoing interagency response to potential contamination, with the other test commissioned independently.
“We are working closely with suppliers, and those linked to positive test results have initiated product recalls,” said Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin.
“Our priority right now is to continue the existing interagency response and sharing and acting upon any further test results we receive.”
Testing of other play sands was ongoing, and “we are aware that some businesses are conducting their own independent tests for asbestos contamination”, according to MBIE.
The agency urged any positive test results to be reported to officials “so that we can facilitate the recall process with the supplier and retailers”.
Caplin said: “We know this is worrying anyone who may have come into contact with these products. Our advice is that people stop using them immediately and follow the relevant advice for safe containment and disposal.”
Other similar products were recalled earlier this month after Tremolite — a naturally occurring form of asbestos — was found in lab samples. The potentially asbestos-contaminated sand led to the closure of some schools and ECE centres in New Zealand and Australia last week.
Hundreds of schools have called the Ministry of Education for information.
Immediate advice for consumers:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- Do not 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”.
- Do not dispose of 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 in the Health NZ web page: Asbestos in sand.
- Once secure, we encourage people to contact your retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
- For further advice call the MBIE Consumer line 0508 426 678.
Immediate advice for workplaces:
- If the sand is in a sealed container, move it to a secure location away from people.
- If the sand is currently being used in your workplace, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible. Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand or attempt to clean it up.
- Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist for immediate advice and support on your specific situation. Details of Class A licensed removalists are available in the Asbestos Removal Licence Holders Register: Asbestos removal licence holders · Online services. Do not return to the affected area until the extent of contamination is established, and after the area is remediated by an expert.
- If individuals are currently using the sand, they should put it down and relocate to a sand-free, well-ventilated area.
- If you are an educational facility and have identified that the sand has been used at your site, please notify the Ministry of Education.
- All clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste as part of personal decontamination.
