|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Two additional coloured sand products have been recalled after further testing confirmed asbestos contamination, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) says.
The latest recalls follow proactive testing carried out as part of the ongoing interagency response into asbestos found in play sand products sold in New Zealand.
A separate independent test also returned a positive result.
MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said previous samples had now tested positive for contamination.
“The testing confirms that several samples have returned positive results for asbestos contamination,” Caplin said.
Read more: Drop-off sites set up for coloured sand recall amid asbestos scare
“We are working closely with suppliers, and those linked to positive test results have initiated product recalls.”
He acknowledged the public concern, urging people to stop using the products immediately and follow official advice on safe containment and disposal.
New products recalled
The newly identified products are the Rainbow Sand Art Toy, with around 800 units sold at discount stores nationwide, and Craft Sand 380g, with around 500 units sold through similar outlets.
These join earlier recalls for the 14-piece Sand Castle Building Set and Magic Sand colours sold at Kmart, as well as the Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand ranges.
Testing of other play sands remains underway, and MBIE says more recalls may follow. Retailers and suppliers are being asked to provide any positive test results directly to MBIE so further action can be coordinated.
What households should do
People at home are advised to stop using any of the recalled products immediately. They should also avoid touching or playing with the sand and instead follow Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora’s guidance on how to safely contain, remove and dispose of the material. Public health advice is available on the Health NZ website under “Asbestos in sand”.
Guidance for schools, early learning centres and workplaces
Schools and early learning centres are being asked to follow the Ministry of Education’s step-by-step instructions for dealing with recalled coloured sand if it is found on site. Other workplaces should refer to WorkSafe’s guidance on the safe containment and disposal of asbestos-contaminated products.
Where to get help
People who have used the recalled products do not require urgent medical attention, but anyone with health concerns can contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for advice.
Workplaces needing support can contact WorkSafe on 0800 030 040. Questions about product recalls can be directed to Product Safety New Zealand on 0508 426 678.
Full recall details, including retailer information, are available on the Product Safety New Zealand website.
