The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has announced the closure of 69 schools starting Monday due to a recall of coloured play sand that may contain asbestos. The recall was initiated by Kmart and Target after traces of asbestos were detected in some samples. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) indicated that the probability of asbestos becoming airborne or inhaled is considered low.
In response to this situation, inspections of the affected schools are currently underway, which the ACT Education Minister, Yvette Berry, noted could take several days. Preliminary air testing has returned negative results for airborne asbestos at all schools inspected thus far. Over the weekend, volunteers from the State Emergency Service and school staff have been tasked with surveying school facilities and documenting all instances of the coloured sand.
According to the ACT government, individuals who may have come into contact with the recalled products are not required to undergo clinical evaluations. Minister Berry emphasized the government’s obligation to mitigate risks as effectively as possible, despite the assessment of minimal risk associated with the sand.
Out of the total, up to 23 schools will remain operational because they either have limited amounts of the sand or do not possess the product at all. The recall pertains specifically to items identified as Active Sandtub 14 piece Sand Castle Building Set, along with Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand.
Asbestos, historically used in construction materials, poses significant health risks, including potential respiratory illnesses and cancer, due to the toxic fibers it can release when disturbed. The importation and exportation of asbestos and asbestos-containing products are outlawed in Australia.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnve03m0d94o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss