Schools across the country have been told to take precautions following an alert over potential asbestos contamination in play sand. The government announced on Wednesday, May 13, that consumer products containing sand contaminated with asbestos have been recalled.
Play sand used at a council-run nursery in the north-east has already been found to contain chrysotile, a type of asbestos. A school in the same region was closed for further testing. The government stated there is no safe level of asbestos in consumer products.
BirminghamLive is aware that at least one city school has stopped using play sand as a precaution while awaiting more advice. It is understood that guidance was issued to schools nationally.
Official Guidance
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said it was aware of consumer products available in the UK containing sand contaminated with asbestos. These products have been recalled by the businesses that sold them, and OPSS expects any further contaminated products to be recalled as well.
Businesses should accept recalled products at their stores. It is both legal and safe to dispose of these products in household waste if you cannot return them to the store. The following instructions for safe disposal should be followed:
- Stop using the product immediately.
- If the sand is still in its packaging, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly, and store it in a secure location out of the reach of children.
- If the sand has been used or exposed, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask, and cloths.
- Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
- Return the product to the store specified by the retailer, who will provide a full refund. If you are unable to, or if your product was purchased via an online marketplace, dispose of the product in your general household residual waste.
A list of recalled products is available on the OPSS website.
