Schools closed in some states over asbestos found in coloured sand

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More than a dozen Canberra schools and one Brisbane school have temporarily closed after a popular craft sand was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.

The ACCC this week recalled three products — Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand — after testing confirmed contamination. The sand had been used in some ACT public schools for sensory play and arts activities, prompting the closure of 16 schools and partial closures at others.

Federal Assistant Minister for Health Rebecca White said each state and territory would decide how to respond, but stressed that removing the products from circulation was essential. She also called on Officeworks, a major retailer of the sand, to take responsibility.

In Brisbane, Mancel College shut its campus after finding the product in its junior and senior classrooms. The school, which supports students with language disorders, asked parents to collect their children immediately.

Indooroopilly OSHC also notified families that the sand had been used in its program. The centre initially announced an afternoon closure, but later reversed the decision after updated advice confirmed it was safe to remain open since the product was not used that day.

Queensland authorities said no state schools had closed. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said most schools had already confirmed they were unaffected, with checks continuing at around 66 sites. He stressed the need for caution without unnecessary disruption.

Other states and territories — Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory — reported no school closures. Their education departments advised that the health risk from the products is considered low but instructed schools to remove any recalled sand immediately.

NT education officials said the risk of airborne asbestos was unlikely, but they were working closely with schools, childcare centres and safety regulators to ensure appropriate action.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled coloured sand are urged to stop using it and follow ACCC advice on safe disposal.

Credit : ABC News

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