WA Health: Updated advice on recalled coloured sand products
The Department of Health is reminding Western Australians to immediately stop using any recalled coloured sand products and to contain and dispose of them appropriately.
Testing by an accredited Australian laboratory identified trace amounts of naturally occurring asbestos in a small number of these products sold in Australia.
Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said early findings indicate a very low risk to human health, but it was important for the community to continue to follow national advice from the Environmental Health Committee (enHealth).
"The laboratory results to date show no respirable fibres, meaning the risk to human health is very low," Dr Robertson said.
"There is currently no evidence to suggest that clinical assessment is required for people who have used these products."
National regulators, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), are working with health authorities across the nation for a coordinated response.
Dr Robertson said WA Health would continue to update its public health advice as new testing results and national guidance become available.
Advice for households
- Stop using any of the identified sand products immediately.
- Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.
- Clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust.
- Wear gloves and a mask (preferably P2 or N95). Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.Store in a secure location.
- Dispose of the products appropriately.
- enHealth has advised it supports members of the public to use accessible disposal methods including, where permitted, through the ordinary waste stream.
Advice for workplaces
- Workplace settings, including schools and childcare centres, are advised to follow the advice from the State's work, health and safety agency.
- See advice issued by WorkSafe WA.
Health information
- Health effects from asbestos generally occur many years after long-term inhalation of very small fibres.
- Testing to date indicates that there is very low risk to human health from these products.
- enHealth has advised it is aware that tests undertaken independently by private individuals or organisations may show presence of asbestos in trace amounts – they present a very low risk to human health.
- Based on the currently available information WA Health does not recommend any clinical assessment for people who may have been in contact with this product.
- WA Health will update its advice as new details become available.
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