Dozens of Australian and NZ schools shut over asbestos risk in children's sand

Dozens of Australian and NZ Schools Shut Over Asbestos Risk in Children’s Sand

Dozens of schools and preschools across Australia and New Zealand are grappling with closures due to concerns over asbestos contamination in children’s sand. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice for colored sand products containing tremolite asbestos, prompting a swift response.

Key Details on the Asbestos Risk

– Recall Notice: The ACCC issued a recall for specific sand products on Wednesday, warning of traces of tremolite asbestos.
– Health Warning: Although the risk of airborne asbestos is deemed low, it still poses a potential danger.
– Closure Statistics: As of Friday, at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) were completely closed, with six others partially closed as a precaution. Reports have also indicated school closures in Queensland.

Actions Taken in New Zealand

– Government Urging: New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) advised the immediate cessation of the sand’s use and its disposal through licensed professionals.
– Closure of Services: Five early learning centers and two schools are temporarily closed to manage possible asbestos contamination.

Safety Measures and Recommendations

– Containment Protocols: Ian Caplin, MBIE’s product safety spokesperson, emphasized the need to secure the sand and arrange for safe disposal.
– Investigating Contamination: The ACCC confirmed tremolite asbestos was detected in some samples, but respiratory asbestos was not found, reducing concerns of acute danger unless the product is processed mechanically.

Regulatory Response

– Bans in Place: The import or export of asbestos in any form is illegal in both Australia and New Zealand.
– Product Information: The recalled items include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg). These products were sold in Australia from 2020 to 2025.

Retailer Actions

– Officeworks Statement: Officeworks has ceased the sale of the affected products following test results indicating asbestos presence. They received an independent health and safety assessment suggesting negligible risk.

Precautionary Measures for the Community

– Safety Alerts: NSW officials have alerted schools to safely remove any recalled sand products, prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff.
– Ongoing Monitoring: In Victoria, schools remain open but officials are proactively identifying any facilities that may have used the recalled products.

As this situation develops, parents and educators are being urged to stay informed and act promptly regarding the safety of children’s play materials. The presence of asbestos, even in low quantities, necessitates vigilance and swift action in schools and homes alike.