Following a recall notice published by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission yesterday (November 13) over children’s sand products that may contain asbestos, WA Health is asking the public to follow health advice.
Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said that if any members of the public had any coloured sand products in their homes or workplaces, they should safely contain and isolate the items.
Dr Robertson said that the national Environmental Health Committee (EnHealth) had stated that testing in an Australian accredited laboratory has identified asbestos contamination in some imported coloured and decorative sand products used in children’s play and craft activities.
The ACCC published the product recall. The products may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing.
“Based on current information, the risk presented to the community from these products is low but we need to take a cautious approach,” Dr Robertson said.
He said that Western Australians should avoid contact with any coloured sand products at this stage.
“We advise that adults and children should not play with or handle these products while we await further testing advice nationally,” he said.
The Department of Health is working closely with the Departments of Education, Communities, Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (WorkSafe and Consumer Protection) to respond to this issue.
Immediate advice:
- Stop using any coloured sand products immediately.
- Store the products in sealed containers in a secure location.
- Do not dispose of the products – further advice will be provided to the community in future about how to safely dispose of them.
- Clean up the coloured sand using wet cloths to avoid generating dust.
- Wear gloves, mask, disposable coveralls (if available) or other protective clothing which will be disposed.
- Double bag the sand, gloves, mask, overalls and cloths.
- Store in a secure location and wait for further disposal advice
Health information:
- Health effects from asbestos generally occur after long-term inhalation of very small fibres, not from casual or limited contact.
- The recall is a precautionary action based on preliminary results and more comprehensive scientific testing is underway.
- Based on current information and the low risk presented, it is not necessary for people who may have been in contact with this product to seek medical advice.
- WorkSafe may have additional requirements for individual workplaces, which is outlined at: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Background information:
ENDS
Media contact:
WA Health Media
E: media@health.wa.gov.au