A shocking revelation has emerged, highlighting the presence of asbestos in colored sand products imported into Australia. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has traced some of this contaminated sand to a specific quarry in China.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe revealed to 7.30 that they have identified the source of at least some of the asbestos-containing sand. However, she could not disclose the exact company or operation responsible for its export. Investigations are ongoing to gather more information.
What's even more concerning is that these products have been entering Australia since 2020, yet it took a chance discovery at a testing lab to uncover the presence of asbestos. Dr. Lowe explained that the testing was not initially intended to detect asbestos but rather to evaluate a new machine.
The lack of border testing for such products has raised questions about the current regulations. Ms. Lowe defended this practice, stating that it would be an extensive and unnecessary measure under Australian law. She emphasized that suppliers are responsible for assessing product risks and conducting appropriate testing.
Despite the potential risks, the ACCC is supportive of enhancing Australia's product safety regime. Other OECD countries already have proactive product safety obligations in place.
The consequences for importing asbestos-containing products are severe, with individuals facing fines of up to $222,000 or five years in prison, and corporations facing fines exceeding $1 million.
Last week, the ACCC initiated a voluntary recall of colored sand products from suppliers Educational Colours and Officeworks. Since then, Kmart and Target have also withdrawn their colored sand products due to asbestos contamination concerns.
Testing by authorities has confirmed the presence of two types of asbestos, tremolite, and chrysotile, in various batches of these sand products. Ms. Lowe explained that the asbestos is present in fiber bundles, and the risk to human health arises when these fibers are released and inhaled.
Fortunately, the expert advice suggests that the risk associated with these products is low because the asbestos is naturally occurring and has not been processed to release fibers.
Over 1,000 schools and early learning centers across the country have reported using these sand products in their curriculum activities. As a precautionary measure, dozens of schools in SA, ACT, and Tasmania remained closed on Tuesday for cleaning.
Despite the national recall, the global marketplace Temu continued to advertise the Educational Colours sand product on its website, describing it as "non-toxic" and "safe." Ms. Lowe confirmed that the ACCC is investigating online retailers who continue to sell these products.
Temu eventually removed the listings after being contacted by 7.30. In a statement, the company denied offering the specific product subject to the ACCC recall and reaffirmed its policy of not allowing products containing asbestos.
About 87 retailers are participating in the voluntary recall, and testing of the sand is currently underway by suppliers and WorkSafe authorities. Ms. Lowe emphasized the daily collaboration between various agencies to assess risks and identify additional products that may need to be recalled.
While the health advice suggests a low risk to human health based on current knowledge and testing, a precautionary approach is being taken, and all products are being removed.
Stay tuned to 7.30 for more updates on this developing story and to learn about the ongoing efforts to ensure product safety in Australia.
