Health NZ Urges Proper Disposal of Recalled Coloured Sand Products

Bay of Plenty parents are being urged to follow proper disposal steps for the coloured play sand products recalled by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

"We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products that are used by children may cause worry for parents and caregivers. We are working rapidly with other agencies to assess the health risk posed by these products and will share more information when it is available," Health NZ say.

"At this stage we do not have enough information to quantify the risk to people’s health, but we advise people to take a precautionary approach and stop using the products,"

For products in original containers, Health NZ advise people to place the bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape, and label it clearly as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.”

Health NZ say if sand is not in it's original container, people must wear a P2 or N95 mask and disposable gloves, avoid getting sand on clothes and dispose of all used PPE and cleaning materials in the same sealed, labelled bag as the sand.

All surrounding surfaces must be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove any residual dust or sand particles. Toys or play equipment that have been in contact with the sand must be washed and wiped down. Carpets or soft furnishings with sand or dust present must be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove as much of the material as possible. Health NZ say people must not use a vacuum cleaner as this may spread asbestos fibres around the area.

Health NZ say people must wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after completing the cleanup and removing PPE.

"Asbestos contaminated material, including sand, needs to be disposed of at an appropriate landfill site and should not be placed with your normal household rubbish," Health NZ say.

"Contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely,"

Whakatāne District Council advise that clearly marked wheelie bins have been set aside for the product at both the Whakatāne and Murupara Resource Recovery Centres.

Ōpōtiki District Council have provided a designated yellow wheelie bin located near the weighbridge at the Ōpōtiki Resource Recovery Centre.

No asbestos disposal facilities are available at the Kawerau Transfer Station. Kawerau District Council advise residents to contact authorised asbestos handlers to dispose of the coloured sand correctly.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council also has set up dedicated drop-off bins at its Te Puke and Katikati Recycling Centres.