SYDNEY: More than 70 schools in Australia and New Zealand were closed on Monday for cleaning after asbestos was discovered in commonly used children’s play sand products.
Recalls have been issued for several colorful play sand products after laboratory tests discovered traces of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos.
A number of schools and kindergartens in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and one in Brisbane were closed on Friday after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a national recall for products supplied by Educational Colors on Wednesday.
Further recalls were issued on Saturday by Kmart and Target for a 14-piece sand castle building set and blue, green and pink magic sand.
As of Monday, more than 70 schools in the ACT were closed to allow for assessment and cleaning, the territorial government said.
“We found that the use of this product is widespread in ACT public schools,” the report said.
“In the interest of the safety of our students, staff and community, we have decided to close some schools that offer this product.”
Asbestos is a banned substance in Australia and New Zealand that can cause several types of cancer when its fibers are inhaled or swallowed.
The sand products used in school sensory play were sold by retailers in Australia between 2020 and 2025, the ACCC said.
The ACCC said no respiratory asbestos was found in any of the samples tested.
“While the risk that any asbestos found is likely to become airborne or fine enough to inhale is low, it could still pose a risk,” the report said.
In New Zealand, local media reported that at least five schools using Kmart’s sand products were closed on Monday due to asbestos testing.
More than 120 have also contacted the government over concerns they may have used one of the recalled sand products.
“We recognize that the presence of asbestos in products used by children will be of concern to parents and caregivers,” said Ian Caplin, product safety spokesperson for the Department of Business, Innovation and Employment.
“We urge families who have purchased these products to immediately stop using them.”
