Recent news reports about the presence of asbestos in play sand understandably raise questions and concerns. As ESPPW and prevention service Premed, we are monitoring these developments and would like to inform you about the possible risks, the applicable guidelines, and the recommended preventive measures to ensure the safety of children and employees.
What types of sand are involved?
It concerns all types of play sand, from colored kinetic sand to sandbox sand. In other words, sand that has been purchased in a store as play sand. At this moment, research is being conducted into which types of sand are involved.
- Locally purchased sandbox sand would not be contaminated with asbestos, according to initial investigations.
- Colored sand, kinetic sand, or craft sand may have the risk of being contaminated with asbestos.
- The FPS Economy is currently investigating, together with specialized laboratories, exactly which types are involved. - List of references of play sand in which the presence of asbestos has been demonstrated play_sand-blacklist.pdf
What can parents, facilities, and childcare organizers concretely do?
- Do not use the play sand and keep it away from children until more information is available.
Follow the most recent guidelines:
- Currently do not use or buy colored sand, kinetic sand, magnetic sand, craft sand, etc.
- Sand that is outdoors may simply remain there. But do not play in it as a precaution until it is known with certainty that all these types of sand are safe.
- If you have sand indoors on a table, gather the sand with damp cloths and put it in a double bag.. Do not use your vacuum cleaner, as the finest particles will not stay in the dust bag and will then be released into the air.
- Shovels or containers that might still have play sand attached should best be cleaned with damp cloths.
- Do not throw play sand with residual waste: You can temporarily dispose of play sand at Flemish recycling parks. Read more on the OVAM website.
Should I be concerned about health damage in children who have played with sand?
- No, the health risk depends on the amount of asbestos in the product and the duration of exposure to the fibers. Very low concentrations of asbestos were present in the affected sand. So you don't have to be afraid or go to the doctor.
We recommend following reliable media reports on this. Further information will also follow via our channels.
Play sand: possible risks at work | Federal Public Service Employment - Labour and Social Dialogue
Investigation into play sand: precautionary measures pending results | FPS Public Health
