Concerns about the risk of mesothelioma have led researchers in New Zealand to begin world-first testing of whether asbestos fibers found in children’s play sand become airborne. The issue has become critical as growing instances of contaminated sand and other toys have raised the question of whether the mineral poses an inhalation risk to children, parents, teachers, and caregivers who have handled the products.
Mesothelioma Research Tests Asbestos Release from Contaminated Children’s Products
Asbestos has long been known as carcinogenic, and specifically responsible for the rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. The mineral was initially found in products sold in New Zealand and Australia, and later detected in colored play sand in at least 20 countries. It is currently unknown whether the fibers become airborne when children play with the sand, and that has led Associate Professor Terri-Ann Berry of Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to begin world-first testing to provide definitive answers about exposure risks.
Berry, who teaches at AUT’s School of Future Environments and is chair of the Mesothelioma Support and Asbestos Awareness Trust, says results will enable authorities to provide evidence-based advice to consumers about mesothelioma risk from the contaminated sand. In an interview with Radio New Zealand, Berry said, “If there are fibers in the air, that means there’s a possibility they could be inhaled, and if they’ve been inhaled, there’s also a possibility they could cause mesothelioma cancer in the long-term.”
She continued, “The research will either confirm the fibers do not become airborne when the sand is played with, which presents a much lower mesothelioma risk and will hopefully reassure worried parents and caregivers; or it will provide evidence that the sand does in fact release fibers, which would support further testing to assess mesothelioma 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.”
Protecting Children from the Risk of Mesothelioma is Study’s Goal
The mesothelioma research, partially funded by AUT, WorkSafe, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, also has support from Beacon Safety and the Faculty of Asbestos Management Australia and New Zealand, all of whom are concerned about the risk of mesothelioma from children playing with contaminated toys.
AUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Mark Orams, says Associate Professor Berry’s work demonstrates research solving real-world problems to improve lives and strengthen communities. “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 mesothelioma risk to the children, teachers, parents, and caregivers who have come into contact with these products in New Zealand, Australia, and across much of Europe.”
If you or someone you love suffered asbestos exposure and has now been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
