Source: Radio New Zealand
Educational Colours Rainbow Sand has been recalled. Supplied / Product Safety NZ
The Ministry of Education has alerted schools and early learning centres to stop using coloured play sand contaminated with asbestos.
It comes after tremolite, a naturally occurring asbestos, was found in rainbow sand sold by two brands, Education Colours and Creatistics.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recalled the products immediately.
The Ministry of Education spokesperson Sean Teddy told RNZ he was first made aware of the recall on Friday 7 November.
“At this stage we do not have enough information to quantify how widespread the use of the product is in schools and early learning services,” Teddy said.
“Yesterday, we alerted schools and early learning services … advising them to take a precautionary approach and stop using the products immediately and to notify us if the product is in use at their location.”
A bulletin posted online by the ministry told educators not to attempt to remove the sand by themselves.
“If the sand is loose or in use in your facility, please instruct everyone to leave the area, block it off and make sure it is not accessible,” the bulletin read.
“Do not vacuum or sweep floors where there is sand, or attempt to clean it up. Contact a licensed professional for safe removal.”
Teddy acknowledged parents would be concerned about the recall notice and said the ministry would keep working with MBIE, WorkSafe and Health NZ to learn how widely the sand was used.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
