Asbestos sand recall shuts schools for tests
Getty ImagesSchools are being closed as a precautionary measure after play sand was found to potentially contain asbestos.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said on Wednesday it was aware of products in the UK containing "sand contaminated with asbestos" and they were being recalled by the businesses which sold them.
North Tyneside Council said after it became aware of the issue, it put temporary restrictions to areas where play sand is used.
Some schools, including Beacon Hill and Silverdale, in Wallsend, have been temporarily closed as a "precautionary measure" due to large quantities of sand on the sites while checks are carried out.
As sand can be used as a sensory learning tool, it is understood the issue is more likely to affect SEND schools.
Woodlawn School in Whitley Bay was closed earlier this week but the tests for asbestos came back as negative.
It has since reopened.
Director of children's services, Rebecca Wall, said the council was taking a "cautious, safety-first approach".
"Keeping pupils and staff safe is our top priority, and we take this responsibility extremely seriously," she said.
"I want to reassure parents, pupils and staff that advice from the UK Health Security Agency indicates the overall risk to health is low."
The OPPS said if a product was on the recall list, it should stop being used immediately and people should keep away from areas where the sand has been until it has been properly cleaned.
It added businesses which sold products contaminated with asbestos were required to recall them.
