In Australia, asbestos has been found in samples of colored play sand used in schools, prompting 70 schools in the capital Canberra to be suspended for clean-up work.
As reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that laboratory tests on samples of colored sand revealed the presence of asbestos of the “tremolite” type.
The Commission noted that there was a risk of spread or inhalation of this type of asbestos in the air is low, but it still poses a risk, and has issued a product return notice.
Following the Commission’s announcement that colored sand used in schools was purchased from Australian retailers between 2020 and 2025, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Department of Education closed 24 schools (of which 8 partially) and 6 kindergartens on 14 November to investigate products.
After two major Australian retailers issued notices that four more products were being returned due to safety concerns, the ACT Government has decided to close a further 70 public schools.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry stressed the ACT’s asbestos laws are “the strictest in the country” and they are proud of it. “I know it’s a small risk, but we have a duty under the Health and Safety Regulations to reduce the risk to the lowest reasonable level possible, and that’s what we’re doing,” Berry said.
The department head said she could not comment on the legal requirements of other states and territories. Berry said a certified asbestos inspector must clean up the contaminated sand and issue a certificate that it is safe for schools to return.
Some schools in New Zealand have also suspended instruction
In New Zealand, several schools where the sand was found have been closed as a precaution. More than 200 schools and child care centers have contacted the Department of Education for guidance.
The Department has instructed schools that had the recalled play sand to contact their regional offices and request a refund from the supplying companies.
Inhalation or ingestion of fibers from the hazardous mineral asbestos is known to cause cancer.