A world-first study led by the Auckland University of Technology is set to examine whether fibres in contaminated children’s play sand can become airborne and inhaled.

The research comes after tremolite asbestos was discovered in coloured play sand used in homes and schools across New Zealand in November last year.

The findings triggered product recalls, school closures and extensive clean-ups to limit potential exposure to the cancer-causing substance.

Now, AUT Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry is leading efforts to determine if asbestos fibres found in kids’ play sand can be inhaled.

Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry. Photo / AUT

Berry said the results aim to provide evidence-based advice to consumers about the risk of coming into contact with the sand.

“The research will either confirm the fibres do not become airborne when the sand is played with, which presents a much lower risk and will hopefully reassure worried parents and caregivers,” she said.

“Or it will provide evidence that the sand does, in fact, release fibres, which would support further testing to assess risk and also provide a record of the event, should asbestos-related disease occur in the future from sand use.

“At this stage, we don’t know what the answer will be, but we really hope it’s not airborne.”

Children exposed to asbestos in play sand should have regular health checks. Photo / 123RF

Berry, who is also chairwoman of the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust, said the research is dedicated to co-founder Leonie Metcalfe, who died earlier this month.

“Leonie was New Zealand’s longest surviving mesothelioma patient and a driving force of the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust Charity,” Berry said.

AUT deputy vice-chancellor research Mark Orams said the project highlights how scientific research can solve real-world problems.

“In addition to answering the question of whether asbestos found in these products is airborne, the research will help us better understand the level of risk to the children, teachers, parents and caregivers who have come into contact with these products in Aotearoa, Australia and across much of Europe,” he said.

The research is partially funded by AUT, WorkSafe New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with additional backing from industry groups in New Zealand and Australia.

The asbestos-contaminated play sand was first identified during routine testing in Australia and reported to authorities in New Zealand.

Although New Zealand prohibits the import of asbestos-containing products unless permitted, there is no requirement to routinely test goods at the border.

Jazlyn Whales is a multimedia journalist based in the Christchurch newsroom.