ACT Closes Over 20 Public Schools Over Asbestos Concerns in Play Sand

Several ACT schools have been closed—some entirely, others partially—after asbestos-contaminated coloured sand was detected in classrooms.

Fencing and warning tape seen around playground equipment at a park where asbestos has been found at Hosken Reserve in Coburg North, Melbourne, Australia, on April 5, 2024. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

More than 20 public schools in the ACT have been shut—some entirely, others partially—after authorities confirmed that coloured sand used in classrooms may contain asbestos, triggering an immediate safety response and urgent communication to families.

The closures came just days after Australia’s consumer watchdog recalled several brands of children’s craft sand found to contain tremolite asbestos.

In a circular issued on Nov. 14 notice, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government notified families that multiple public schools would close as a precaution while testing, cleaning and removal work is carried out.

The advice followed a national alert from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), which confirmed that Kadink Decorative Sand used in sensory play and arts activities had tested positive for chrysotile asbestos.

“This product is used at some schools for sensory play, and arts and crafts,” the ACT notice said. “While WorkSafe ACT has identified the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low, the safety of our schools is our highest priority.”

Authorities said the closures were made under established Education Directorate protocols and on the advice of WorkSafe ACT.

The ACCC’s national recall, issued on Nov. 12, covers several brightly coloured sand products sold between 2020 and 2025 at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art.

The recalled items include:

• Kadink Sand (1.3 kg)
• Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3 kg)
• Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1 kg)

Laboratory testing detected tremolite asbestos in some samples, prompting supplier Educational Colours to voluntarily recall the products. Asbestos remains a prohibited material in Australia and has been banned for more than 20 years.

Health Risks Outlined

Inhaling asbestos fibres can damage lung tissue and increase the likelihood of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, with symptoms often emerging decades after exposure, according to the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe urged households, schools and early learning centres to act immediately.

“Anyone who has these products should stop using them straight away,” Lowe said. “Place the sand into a heavy-duty plastic bag, double-tape it securely, and keep it well out of children’s reach. As a precaution, wear disposable gloves and a mask when handling it.”

She confirmed that Officeworks had removed the products from sale and begun contacting customers directly.

“We expect all suppliers to support consumers, respond to queries and assist with refunds,” Lowe said.

The ACCC also warned against disposing of the sand in household rubbish and directed consumers to use facilities licensed to handle asbestos-containing materials.

NZ Takes Similar Steps

The issue has now extended across the Tasman, where New Zealand authorities have issued their own warning.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said testing is underway to determine whether products available in New Zealand are affected.

“We are taking immediate precautionary action while we establish the extent and risk of the potentially contaminated product,” MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said.