Post by : Rameen Ariff

More than 30 schools across Australia have been fully or partially closed after traces of asbestos were detected in children’s coloured sand products used for arts, crafts, and sensory play. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice on Wednesday after laboratory testing revealed tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring and potentially harmful form of the mineral, in some imported sand products.

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), at least 15 schools and seven preschools were fully closed on Friday, with an additional six schools partially closed as a precaution. There are also reports of at least one school closure in Queensland. ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry stated that closures allow for testing and remediation, prioritizing student safety.

The ACCC noted that the risk of asbestos becoming airborne or inhalable is “low,” but cautioned that the substance could still pose health risks if mechanically processed, such as by crushing or pulverizing. Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause severe lung damage, including cancer and other respiratory illnesses.

The recalled products, imported from China and sold in Australia between 2020 and 2025, include:

• Kadink Sand (1.3kg)

• Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)

• Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg)

Several major retailers, including Officeworks, have voluntarily recalled affected products, including Kadink six-piece decorative sand and KD Magic Sand in natural and purple. New Zealand authorities have also issued a voluntary recall for similar products as a precautionary measure.

Victorian officials reported no school closures in the state, emphasizing that the health risk from the sand is low, while New South Wales sent a safety alert to all public schools to remove the products immediately if present. Authorities are working to identify schools and early childhood services using the sand and are providing guidance for safe remediation.

The ACCC and local education departments are urging parents and school staff to ensure all affected sand products are removed from classrooms, emphasizing that the health and safety of students remain the highest priority.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about imported products for children and highlights the importance of rigorous safety checks to prevent potential exposure to hazardous substances in educational environments.

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