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Schools closed across Australia over asbestos found in coloured sand
- On Monday, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry announced 69 Australian Capital Territory schools will close after recalls of coloured play sand sold at Kmart and Target expanded.
- Laboratory testing found tremolite asbestos in decorative play sand products used for sensory play and arts and crafts, with batches from January 1, 2020 to October 31, 2025 affected.
- In South Australia, officials reported 130 sites with 88 sealed containers and 20 sites holding loose sand, while Officeworks and more than 80 retailers voluntarily withdrew products after asbestos detection.
- So far, air testing by licensed asbestos contractors has been negative, and health authorities do not recommend clinical assessments, though remediation could take days, ACT officials said.
- Ian Caplin, MBIE product safety spokesperson, advised the public to stop using the sand, contain it, and arrange disposal through licensed professionals.
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Total News Sources57
Leaning Left21Leaning Right9Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Left
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources lean Left
53% Left
L 53%
C 25%
R 22%
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