Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday after colored play sand used in playgrounds and classrooms was recalled due to the discovery of asbestos in some samples, as reported by BBC News. The recall was initiated by Kmart and Target. ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry stated that inspections are still ongoing, and preliminary air tests have shown “negative results” for airborne asbestos in all affected schools. The government also clarified that individuals who have come into contact with the sand do not require medical evaluations.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) indicated that the risk of fibers becoming airborne and inhalable is considered “low.” The recall specifically targets the Active Sandtub 14 Piece Sand Castle Building Set and colored Magic Sand in blue, green, and pink. Several ACT schools had already closed on Friday following warnings about sand sold by Officeworks, and schools in New Zealand have also shut down, with more expected to do so for testing.
Berry acknowledged that the newly recalled products were more widespread in ACT schools, and staff along with emergency teams are actively checking classrooms and “mapping all colored sand they see.” Up to 23 schools will remain open as they possess little or none of the affected sand.
Asbestos, a mineral previously widely used in construction, can release minuscule fibers when disturbed, which may linger in the lungs for years. Long-term exposure to asbestos can result in serious health issues, such as mesothelioma-a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen, lung cancer, and asbestosis, which involves lung scarring leading to breathlessness and chronic respiratory problems. Both Australia and New Zealand have prohibitions against asbestos and any products containing it.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/world/negative-to-airborne-asbestos-but-australia-still-shuts-69-schools-after-sand-recall-10369452/
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Publish Date: 2025-11-16 20:32:00
