Schools in Canberra and Brisbane have announced sudden closures over concerns that some children's play sand products may contain traces of asbestos.
It comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) earlier this week issued a recall notice for a number of coloured play sand products. Two types of asbestos — chrysotile and tremolite — have been referenced and both are naturally occurring.
The sand is used for sensory play, education, and various arts and crafts activities.
The ACT announced on Friday that 15 schools and three pre-schools would be closed, while five other schools would be partially closed. Meanwhile, a Brisbane school announced it would also close.
'Low risk', says ACT education minister
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said she understood the news might be "upsetting" for families, but insisted the issue was "low risk".
"I understand the news will be upsetting for some families, however, WorkSafe have advised the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile [asbestos] is low," Berry told reporters on Friday morning.
On Tuesday, WorkSafe ACT said it had tested Kadink Decorative Sand sold in a six pack of 10 gram tubes and found traces of chrysolite asbestos. The ACCC has also referenced tremolite asbestos in its recall notice for several coloured play sand products. SBS News has contacted the consumer watchdog for clarity.
"We made the decision that this was the best action to take as a precautionary measure, noting again that it is a low risk."
"Closing schools will allow testing and remediation to occur as soon as possible."
Testing of the sand started yesterday afternoon and will continue, Berry said, but noted that early results had come back negative for airborne asbestos fibres.
"There were eight test results back this morning and all eight test results were negative for airborne fibres," ACT Work Health and Safety commissioner Jacqueline Agius said.
Agius said "tests are happening all over the country at the moment", but that WorkSafe ACT was only testing one type of sand in its jurisdiction.
More school closures are possible, with Berry saying it was an "evolving situation".
Brisbane school closes
Mancel College, a specialist school for children and young people with language disorders, also announced on Friday that it would close.
In a statement posted on social media, Craig Duncan, head of college at the school in Brisbane's west, shared the ACCC's recall notice and said some of the product had been found in both the junior and senior schools.
"While the advice is low risk and there are only minor traces, we are acting with an abundance of caution," Duncan said.
"We are therefore advising parents that with immediate effect we are closing the entire college today."
What are the sand products that have been recalled?
The recalled products, sold at retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art, include:
- Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
- Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)
- Kadink Decorative Sand (10g 6 pack)
Officeworks was a "major supplier" for the sand, the ACCC said, with the products sold in Australia between 2020 and 2025.
Australia's consumer watchdog recently issues a recall notice for Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours — Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics — Coloured Sand (1kg). Source: Supplied / ACCC
Inhalation of asbestos can lead to an increased incidence of some respiratory diseases, including lung cancers.
The ACCC has said the release of respiratory fibres is unlikely to occur in its retailed state, a point echoed by Agius on Friday.
"Asbestos in sand is a naturally occurring substance because it comes from quartz and it's quite heavy, so when asbestos is heavy then it's difficult to breathe it in," she said.
"That's why we say the risk is low."
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said Officeworks has removed the products from sale.
She said any customers who own the product should stop using it immediately, place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag, and secure it with double tape.
"When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as wearing disposable gloves and a mask," Lowe said.
Asbestos cannot be disposed of in general waste and must be taken to resource management facilities.
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