Asbestos in sand
The potential impact of asbestos exposure on a person’s health occurs over the long term. People do not need to take any immediate steps to manage their health if they, or their children, have been exposed to these products.
Health risks from asbestos in sand
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.
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.
The potential impact of asbestos exposure on a person’s health occurs over the long term. People do not need to take any immediate steps to manage their health if they, or their children, have been exposed to these products.
Asbestos is, however, a known carcinogen when inhaled and ingested. The presence of asbestos in these products could present a potentially serious health risk in the long term. If you have one of these products at home, it is recommended you stop using it immediately and follow the advice below for safe containment, removal and disposal.
Immediate steps
- If you or your child has used the product, there is no need for urgent medical attention. Discuss any concerns with your GP, healthcare provider or Healthline 0800 611 116.
- Avoid further exposure by removing the product safely.
Clean up and disposal - Reduce or stop smoking, as tobacco smoke increases risk after asbestos exposure.
Find a stop smoking service — Smokefreeexternal link
Clean up and disposal
The below clean up advice should be used for the home environment only. Education facilities and workplaces need to follow removal advice provided by WorkSafe. Prolonged exposure to asbestos, which is most common in places of work, causes the greatest risk to individuals.
A licenced asbestos removalist can be contacted to undertake removal of asbestos containing material, including sand products, but will come with a cost. The below disposal advice is aimed at eliminating exposure to the product in the home environment with as little risk as possible.
For products in original containers
Place container into a thick plastic bag and seal it securely with tape.
Place that bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape, and label it clearly as “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.”
Disposal
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.
Contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely.
Additional information may be provided by government agencies soon on how to dispose of the contaminated sand. This website will be updated with instructions if this becomes available. The product can be stored in its container, double bagged and taped shut, out of reach of children (preferably outside of the house in the garden shed or garage) until disposal.
If this sand product is not in its original container, follow the safety advice below.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear a P2 or N95 mask over your nose and mouth.
- Wear disposable gloves while cleaning up or handling potentially contaminated material.
- Avoid getting the sand on your clothes whilst cleaning up. If needed, wear old clothes that can be disposed after cleaning or wear disposable overalls. If clothes or other fabrics are contaminated (or possibly contaminated) with asbestos fibres, you should dispose of them instead of washing them.
- Dispose of used cleaning cloths, gloves, masks, and any other PPE in the same sealed and labelled bag as the contaminated material.
Containing the sand
- Lightly wet the sand to prevent dust from generating.
- Transfer the sand into a sealed container or a thick plastic bag.
- Place that bag or container into a second thick plastic bag, seal it securely with tape, and label it clearly as “Asbestos Contaminated Material.”
Cleaning areas
- Wipe down all surrounding surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any residual dust or sand particles.
Toys and play equipment
- Wash any toys or play equipment with a damp cloth if they have been in contact with the sand.
- If sand cannot be completely removed from an item, dispose of it safely with the contaminated material.
Carpets and furnishings
- If sand or dust is present on carpets or soft furnishings, wipe with a damp cloth to remove as much material as possible.
- Do not use a vacuum cleaner, as this may spread asbestos fibres around the area. Contact a licenced asbestos contractor if you are unsure you are able to effectively clean carpet or furnishings sufficiently.
- Consider contacting a licensed asbestos removalist for large asbestos cleaning jobs.
After cleaning
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after completing the cleanup and removing your PPE.