Is Asbestos Lurking in Your Child’s Play Sand? What Parents and Schools Need to Know

As teachers, carers or parents, nothing matters more than the safety of our children.

In this article, we share the recent shocking news of the risk of asbestos in coloured sand, explain what you need to know, and the steps you should take now to protect your family or school.

We offer a straightforward, expert guide to reducing risk, reassurance about our asbestos removal options, and practical advice specific to NSW.

Read on for the facts, support, and solutions to keep your children safe.

Breaking News: Asbestos Discovered in Play Sand

Recent news reports, revealing the presence of asbestos in kinetic sand and coloured sand products, have sent shockwaves across New South Wales!

Laboratory testing identified asbestos in play sand sold across Australia. These products have been the subject of recall notices by Australian retailers, but they are widely used in homes, schools, and kindergartens, raising concerns among parents, caregivers, and teachers about the health risks to children and the broader community.

Asbestos Contamination – Some background

Some key points you need to know, following the presence of asbestos in play sand:

Why is Asbestos So Dangerous

• Tiny asbestos fibres can become airborne and may be inhaled.
• A single exposure can be dangerous if these fibres reach the lungs, with the risk of lung cancer and other diseases.
• The risks are especially high for young children whose bodies are still developing.

How Did Asbestos End Up in Play Sand?

• Batches of coloured sand may be produced outside Australia, where safety standards are not the same as those in NSW.
• Contaminated raw materials were most likely accidentally mixed with sand products during the production process.
• These products then entered the Australian market, finishing up in classrooms and homes before the contamination was discovered.

Who is Most at Risk?

• Young children are especially vulnerable and most at risk because they may release dust and fibres into the air while playing with the sand.
• Child care centres, schools and families in NSW who have bought coloured sand are most affected.
• Parents or staff who clean up or handle these products should be made aware of the risks.

What Should You Do Now?

Although the products have been deemed low risk, there is still a risk. Don’t panic! Luckily, there are expert asbestos removal services with professional, safe licensed asbestos removalist teams across NSW.

Early action helps protect everyone and stops exposure before it becomes a problem

• Check the latest recall lists for any kinetic or coloured sand products, as published by SafeWork NSW.
• If you aren’t certain whether your products are affected, stop using any type of play sand immediately.
• Don’t clean up or try to move or throw away any suspected sand. You are at risk of releasing asbestos fibres into the air, putting children and adults at risk

Keeping Your Family or School Community Safe

Your priority must be to make the area secure, to prevent accidental contamination until professionals can get to you.

Act now to reduce the risks:

• Seal off the at-risk area. Close all windows and doors to prevent the spread of fibres.
• Make sure nobody, especially children, enters the affected area until you have the “all clear” from NSW asbestos removal specialists.
• Don’t try to touch or bag up the sand yourself. It is easy to disturb the asbestos, which is hazardous even in small amounts.
• Contact a licenced asbestos professional. They will offer advice and will arrange to safely remove the risk.

Rapid Demolition Can Help: What We Do

If your play sand is suspected of asbestos contamination, reacting quickly and with safety as a priority can help ensure the continued good health of everyone at your home, school or childcare centre.

The removal of any type of asbestos is a highly specialised task which should only ever be handled by experts with official approval in NSW. Only an experienced, qualified team can guarantee safe removal, with a clearance certificate for your records, to guarantee your peace of mind.

Our Safe Asbestos Removal Process

Professional asbestos removalists in NSW use techniques and equipment to protect everyone during the clean-up and disposal stage:

• Our licenced experts inspect the area to identify any asbestos risks.
• The site is sealed. All doors and windows are closed to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres. Warning signs are provided to keep the area clear.
• Our removal teams use special tools and protective clothing to carefully collect your contaminated sand.
• The asbestos waste is securely packed and transported to government-approved facilities for disposal.
• We will provide you with a clearance certificate to confirm the site is safe for normal use.

Why Call Rapid Demolition?

If you have suspected asbestos-contaminated sand in your home or school, experience, speed and safety matter!

Our licenced, experienced professional teams are the best line of defence for your family. We work with safety as a top priority, and we will quickly restore your peace of mind.

The Benefits of Using Licensed NSW Asbestos Specialists

• Qualified teams adhering to SafeWork NSW safety guidelines.
• Rapid response services, to remove hazardous materials quickly, reducing the risk of exposure for everybody.
• A discreet service, by fully trained and insured experts, to minimise any disruption to your daily routine and provide you with reassurance of a job done properly.

Speak to Us Today With Your Worries About Asbestos in Play Sand

At Rapid Demolition, we realise how concerning the current situation is for any carer or parent of young children. We have the experience to make your premises safe again, and your children’s safety is our top priority.

If you are in NSW and you are worried about asbestos in sand, or anywhere else, on your property. Please contact us today.

Don’t delay and don’t leave it to chance. Call us now for expert assistance and instant peace of mind.