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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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