Mancel College announced the immediate closure of its campus after discovering that a coloured sand product sold in stores contained tremolite asbestos, a highly carcinogenic mineral. This shocking find has necessitated rapid response. Mainstream retailers—be it Woolworths supermarkets, Officeworks or others—are moving quickly to strip the impacted sand products from their shelves. The sand occurs naturally at about eighty-five sites across Australia. It is a health hazard since it is laced with asbestos.
Asbestos is a controlled substance in Australia due its propensity to cause several asbestos related diseases (ARD) including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Health advocates warn that all exposures asbestos are harmful, especially when it comes to inhaling these tiny fibres. Dr. Anthony Linton, the joint head of research at Australia’s Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute, called for immediate action. He admitted that the threat for each child directly exposed is low, but it should still not be dismissed.
Asbestos Discovery and Immediate Actions
While the detection of asbestos in the recycled sand product used at Mancel College has parents rightly concerned. Educators are just as interested and worried about the potential risks. The deepening crisis is made all the more apparent by the college’s decision to close its campus effective immediately. Dr. Linton noted that parents would be understandably horrified to learn that such hazardous risks were associated with the sand product. It’s an entirely justified response.
“(Parents) would be understandably terrified, and I would be very nervous if it was me in exactly the same boat.” – Anthony Linton
In light of these results, Woolworths and Officeworks have acted swiftly to protect consumers by withdrawing the sand products from sale. This decision aligns with guidelines from health authorities to ensure consumer safety. Consumer engagement Catriona Lowe, a spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services, stressed that the department continued to work with suppliers to help inform consumers.
“We continue to engage with suppliers and expect all to provide appropriate support to consumers, including responding to queries and providing advice about arranging a refund.”
Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Tremolite asbestos is a natural contaminant of some types of rocks, sediments and soils across Australia. Fortunately, Dr. Linton reminds us the long-term danger to kids is probably low. He points out, there must be a concerted push to get the potentially contaminated product out of homes safely.
“I stress once again, I think the risk for individual children is going to be very small, but it’s going to need a real coordinated effort … for prompt removal of this in a very safe way.” – Anthony Linton
Catriona Lowe further explained the nature of the asbestos found, stating, “What has been found is naturally occurring asbestos, in what’s called fibre bundles.” She further cautioned that breathing in asbestos dust can have serious health implications.
“Asbestos is a problem when it’s inhaled and that means microscopic fibres.” – Catriona Lowe
Recommended Actions for Consumers
Consumers who bought the colored sand products should act right away. Lowe advises that individuals should stop using the sand right away and safely store it until further guidance is provided.
“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double-tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children.” – Catriona Lowe
Dr. Linton emphasizes that while there is no straightforward test to predict whether someone will develop an asbestos-related disease, monitoring exposure levels remains critical. In fact, it is too soon even for parents to begin to seek potential symptoms of exposure in their children.
So, as this scenario develops, health authorities still have a responsibility to evaluate risks posed by these products. And they are to be congratulated for their dedication to keeping consumers safe across all of Australia.
