Asbestos contaminated play sand: more schools close

Accredited asbestos removalists attend to Black Mountain School in Canberra, Monday, November 17, 2025. Almost 70 public schools in Canberra will be closed today due to potential asbestos contamination. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE

A national recall for imported coloured play sand contaminated with asbestos has expanded its impact. There are now school closures and remediation efforts across South Australia, the ACT, and Tasmania over concerns about the contamination. Experts suggest the potential for long-term harm depends on the specific type of asbestos found—and whether the sand is free-flowing enough to allow for inhalation.

Follow and Subscribe

Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Download (7.32MB)

Download the SBS Audio appAvailable on iOS and Android

Published 19 November 2025 1:26pm

By Briana Charles, Yumi Oba

Source: SBS

Share this with family and friends

A national recall for imported coloured play sand contaminated with asbestos has expanded its impact. There are now school closures and remediation efforts across South Australia, the ACT, and Tasmania over concerns about the contamination. Experts suggest the potential for long-term harm depends on the specific type of asbestos found—and whether the sand is free-flowing enough to allow for inhalation.

Listen to SBS Japanese Audio on Tue, Thu and Fri from 1pm on SBS 3. Replays from 10pm on Tue, Thu and Sat on SBS1. Listen to past stories from our podcast. Download the free SBS Audio App and don't forget to visit SBS Japanese Facebook and Instagram page!