The Government is taking urgent meetings after breakthrough research revealed airborne asbestos was present in children’s play sand.

An AUT study in Auckland confirmed today that airborne fibres could be released from sand samples during simulated play.

The discovery has prompted safety fears from parents.

AUT associate professor Terri-Ann Berry says it's important that plenty of testing take places into these products, because there's a clear risk.

"If we can't have really good controls on mineral-based substances coming into our country - then yes, I don't think we have a choice."

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