Two schools in North Tyneside have been shut down as a precautionary measure while tests are being conducted to determine if play sand used in classrooms contains asbestos. This decision follows a nationwide recall of various products potentially containing asbestos by major retailers such as Tesco, Primark, Aldi, and others earlier this year.
According to information from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in April, 39 items were identified to have asbestos content. Asbestos, once popular for its heat and fire resistance, is now recognized as a hazardous material that can cause serious health issues like asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
North Tyneside Council closed Beacon Hill School and Silverdale School in Wallsend due to the presence of significant amounts of sand on the premises. Woodlawn School also experienced a partial closure temporarily, but it has since reopened after tests came back negative for asbestos.
The council is collaborating with the Health and Safety Executive and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to address the situation. Concerned parents are questioning the handling of communication regarding the issue, with one parent raising concerns about the safety of the children.
Headteacher of Beacon Hill School, Justina Terretta, informed parents via email about the closure and mentioned that specialized contractors have been brought in for testing and cleaning procedures. The safety and well-being of students and staff are being prioritized, with additional precautionary measures being taken to ensure protection.
Rebecca Wall, director of children’s services at North Tyneside Council, emphasized a safety-first approach and reassured parents, students, and staff that the overall health risk is deemed low by the UK Health Security Agency.