Asbestos discovered in children’s play sand by accident | 7.30

Key Concepts

• Asbestos: A naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in building materials and other products. It is now known to be a serious health hazard, causing lung diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.
• ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission): The national competition regulator and consumer advocate in Australia.
• WorkSafe Authorities: Government bodies responsible for workplace health and safety.
• Sensory Learning: An educational approach that uses a child's senses to help them learn and develop.
• Voluntary Recall: A manufacturer or retailer's decision to withdraw a product from the market due to safety concerns, without being legally compelled to do so.
• Proactive Safety Obligation: A legal requirement for suppliers to actively ensure the safety of their products before they are sold.
• Asbestos Disposal: The safe and regulated process of removing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials to prevent exposure.

Asbestos Detected in Children's Play Sand in Australia

Discovery and Initial Concerns

Traces of asbestos have been detected in children's play sand sold in Australia, a country that largely banned asbestos in 2003. This discovery has understandably caused significant concern among parents, with questions arising about the extent of asbestos contamination in schools and the frequency of children's interaction with the affected sand.

Product Recall and Retailer Actions

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced a major recall of colored sand products marketed as children's toys and sold since 2020. Retailers such as Kmart, Office Works, and Target have proactively removed these products from their shelves as a precautionary measure. The ACCC has urged all suppliers and retailers carrying similar "Creative Sand" products to examine their offerings and undertake appropriate testing, recommending the removal of such products as a precautionary step.

Origin of Contamination

The discovery was made by a New South Wales-based laboratory in early November. The testing was not prompted by a tip-off or prior suspicion of asbestos but was part of the laboratory's process to test a new machine. Upon finding potential asbestos contamination, the laboratory communicated with work health and safety authorities. Katrina Lo, deputy director at the ACCC, indicated that all recalled sand has been imported from China, with indications of a particular quarry in China being the source for at least some of the sand. This situation is described as evolving, with ongoing coordination and investigation by relevant authorities.

International Marketplace and Border Control Issues

Despite the national recall, the investigative program 7:30 discovered the same colored sand products listed on the global Chinese marketplace Teu, which ships to Australia. These listings falsely described the sand as non-toxic and safe. The ACCC acknowledged that dealing with internationally based marketplaces can be more challenging, though they are taking continued sales of these products very seriously, especially in light of the voluntary recall. After 7:30 contacted Teu, the products were removed from their website. Teu, in a statement, denied selling the specific product subject to the ACCC recall and asserted that they do not permit products containing asbestos.

A significant point raised is that these products were not tested for toxic chemicals at the Australian border. Australia does not have a proactive safety obligation regime for product sales; instead, the onus is on suppliers to assess product risks and conduct appropriate testing. Border Force has stated that since 2015, individuals importing products containing asbestos face fines of up to $222,000 or five years imprisonment, while corporations face fines exceeding $1 million.

Widespread Use in Educational Settings

More than a thousand schools and early learning centers across all Australian states and territories have reported using this colored sand as part of their curriculum for sensory learning. This widespread use has led to significant disruption, with dozens of schools in South Australia, the ACT, and Tasmania closing for authorized asbestos cleaners to remove the sand. In contrast, no public schools in Victoria and Western Australia have closed due to this issue.

Parent and Expert Perspectives

Jenny Mala, a parent whose son attends Caine Primary School in Canberra, expressed her concern and the need for transparency from schools regarding the sand's use. The ACT government's decision to close several schools highlights their realistic concerns about the potential risks.

Dr. Anthony Linton, a research director at the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, emphasized that this situation is "not a cause for panic or alarm" and that children and families are "by and large be very very safe at very very low risk of any disease." However, he stressed the importance of removing these items from homes and ensuring they are disposed of safely and appropriately at authorized asbestos disposal sites, not in general waste.

Safe Disposal Guidance

Jodi Diggs from the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency provided critical guidance for parents who still possess the sand at home. She advised:

• Isolation: Keep the sand away from children and other household members.
• Containment: If in its original container, double-bag it in strong, securely taped bags, label them, and store in a secure place.
• Avoid Dust: Do not create dust by brushing. Use a wet cloth for cleaning.
• Protective Gear: When handling the sand, wear protective clothing and equipment, including gloves, eye mask, a mask, and coveralls.

Ongoing Investigations

The recalled sand is currently undergoing testing for asbestos by suppliers and WorkSafe authorities. There is significant daily contact between various agencies to continuously assess risks, conduct necessary testing, and determine if additional products need to be included in the recall.

Conclusion

The discovery of asbestos in children's play sand highlights a critical failure in product safety detection and regulation, particularly concerning imported goods. While the immediate health risk is considered low by experts, the widespread use in schools and the potential for long-term exposure necessitate a thorough investigation, stringent testing protocols, and clear communication to ensure the safety of children and the public. The incident underscores the need for more proactive safety obligations for product suppliers and enhanced border control measures for imported goods.