In New Zealand, 40 schools have been closed because sand intended for children’s play and allegedly imported from China contains toxic asbestos fibers. the New Zealand Ministry of Education said on Tuesday. In Australia, over 70 schools were closed on Monday for the same reason, writes TASR according to AFP and Reuters reports.
- In New Zealand, they closed 40 schools because of sand containing asbestos.
- Australia closed over 70 schools for the same reason.
- Laboratory tests revealed traces of asbestos minerals in the supplied sand.
- Asbestos is a carcinogenic fiber linked to lung cancer.
- The Chinese ministry has responded to the reports and is reviewing the matter with suppliers.
Recent laboratory tests have revealed that colored sand from China intended for interactive games at school, contains traces of chrysotile and tremolite. They are fine fibrous silicate minerals technically referred to as asbestos. Carcinogenic asbestos was widely used in the construction industry in the past due to its excellent heat resistance. However, later studies revealed a clear link between lung cancer and long-term exposure to asbestos fibers.
Several primary and nursery schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and another in Brisbane were already closed on Friday after The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday issued a nationwide recall of products supplied by Educational Colors. It was subsequently expanded to include other similar products.
“In accordance with our regulatory obligations and in the interests of the safety of our students, staff and community we have decided to close some of the schools where this product is located so that an assessment, cleaning and remediation of the (premises) can then be carried out,” Australian authorities said at the time.
The Australian Product Safety Authority has reported that the risk of inhaling asbestos fibers is low. “As it stands, the release of respirable asbestos fibers is unlikely unless the sand is processed by mechanical methods such as crushing or grinding,” stated.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reacted to the case. “(Beijing) has taken note of the relevant reports… We have also noted that local Australian businesses have indicated that they are communicating with suppliers to resolve these issues,” Chinese ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters at a press conference.
