US EditionAsbestos Has Been Found in Children's Colored Sand. What's the Risk to Kids?
Authorities closed 15 Canberra schools after asbestos was found in decorative sand used since 2020, with over 300 schools in Brisbane undergoing checks, officials said.
- On Friday, 15 state schools in Canberra were closed and testing began after traces of asbestos were detected in decorative coloured sand.
- Authorities recalled specific 1kg–1.3kg coloured sand products sold through Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art after WorkSafe ACT confirmed chrysotile in Kadink Decorative Sand.
- Dr Linton warned that `There is asbestos in these materials, and asbestos is a deadly dust, a deadly substance`, noting inhaling asbestos causes mesothelioma and lung cancer with no safe exposure level.
- ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the recall was precautionary as retailers removed products and parents were urged to stop using sand immediately and double-bag it securely.
- Because the sand was sold over a five-year period, some schools almost certainly handled contaminated batches, and more than 300 schools in the Brisbane City Council area may need checks, with mineral sands mining a likely contamination source.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Asbestos has been found in children's colored sand. What's the risk to kids?
Multiple schools and early learning centers in the Australian Capital Territory have shut on Friday after asbestos was found in colored sand used for children's art and sensory play. At least one school in Brisbane has also closed due to potential exposure.
Asbestos has been found in children’s coloured sand. What’s the risk to kids?
Natalia Alkema/GettyMultiple schools and early learning centres in the Australian Capital Territory have shut on Friday after asbestos was found in coloured sand used for children’s art and sensory play. At least one school in Brisbane has also closed due to potential exposure. On Thursday, WorkSafe ACT issued a contamination notice after laboratory testing confirmed traces of chrysotile, a type of asbestos, in Kadink Decorative Sand. It follows…
Sydney Morning Herald
Brisbane school shuts after asbestos-laced play sand found at campuses, childcare centres
Queensland education authorities are combing schoolyards for a play item suspected to contain asbestos and a major childcare provider has also revealed its centres had the product.
What to do if you have recalled coloured sand product in your home
Fifteen public schools in Canberra are closed today, and several others are partially closed, due to potential asbestos contamination in coloured sand sold at dozens of stores across Australia. Here is what we know.
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