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Schools Shut Over Potentially Asbestos-Laced Sand
14 May
Summary
- Play sand recalled due to potential asbestos contamination discovered in the UK.
- Several schools, particularly SEND facilities, temporarily closed as a precaution.
- Health authorities assure the overall risk to public health is low.
Several schools have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure due to concerns over play sand potentially containing asbestos. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirmed awareness of UK products with asbestos-contaminated sand, leading to business-led recalls.
North Tyneside Council implemented temporary restrictions on play sand areas. Schools such as Beacon Hill and Silverdale in Wallsend closed for checks. Woodlawn School in Whitley Bay, which had closed earlier, has since reopened after negative asbestos test results.
This situation is understood to particularly affect SEND schools where sand is a common sensory learning tool. While authorities emphasize the low overall health risk, they urge immediate cessation of use for recalled products and exclusion from affected areas until proper cleaning.
