Canberra Closes More Than 60 Schools Over Asbestos-Contaminated Sand

It comes after an initial shutdown on Nov. 14 that closed 16 schools and 6 preschools and left 8 more partially operating.

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 60 public schools and preschools across Canberra are closed on Nov. 17 after testing uncovered asbestos contamination in widely used coloured sand.

The move led to a sweeping recall and urgent safety checks across the ACT education system.

“In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff, and community, we have decided to close some schools that have this product to allow for assessment clean-up and remediation to occur,” reads the notice issued by the ACT Education Directorate.

It comes after an initial shutdown on Nov. 14 that closed 16 schools and six preschools, and left eight more partially operating.

Recall Triggers Shutdowns

A second wave of disruptions followed over the weekend when Kmart and Target voluntarily recalled one of their sand products on Nov. 15.

The Education Directorate launched a rapid audit of every public school the next day to determine whether the affected materials had been used.

By Nov. 16 evening, 69 schools had been identified as holding the recalled sand, triggering today’s large-scale closures so contaminated materials can be secured and removed safely.

Three additional schools were found to have small isolated quantities not impacting learning, while 20 schools reported no use of the products.

The ACT government said the closures are precautionary and based on advice that asbestos-containing materials—even in low quantities—must be treated with extreme care, particularly in environments where young children are present. No health impacts have been reported.

Use Found Across System

Asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003. Exposure over time can increase the risk of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, though symptoms typically emerge decades after contact.

The affected sand products were sold nationally between 2020 and 2025, including through retailers such as Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art. Supplier Educational Colours initiated the recall after contamination was confirmed.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has urged parents, schools and community organisations to stop using the products immediately.

Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe advised consumers to place the sand into heavy-duty plastic bags, seal it securely, and keep it away from children. Gloves and masks are recommended when handling.

Consumers are also being advised not to discard the sand in household rubbish bins and instead seek guidance on licensed asbestos disposal facilities.

NZ Issues Parallel Warning

The contamination alert has now spread across the Tasman. New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has issued its own precautionary advisory while it investigates whether similar products sold locally contain asbestos.

MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin urged schools, parents, and workplaces to “stop using the sand immediately, contain it securely, and arrange safe disposal through licensed professionals,” noting that testing is underway but the supplier has already begun a local recall.