Contaminated children’s play sand sold in Australia can release toxic airborne asbestos, research finds

According to The Guardian, new research has found that colourful children's play sand sold in Australia can release hazardous airborne asbestos fibres. The study, led by Auckland University of Technology, found that ninety percent of craft sand samples released the toxic mineral into the air when children played with them. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the study's lead researcher confirmed the contaminated products had been sold in Australia. The findings contradict earlier statements that the play products, which were pulled from shelves over asbestos concerns, were low risk.

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