Tue Nov 18 11:20:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
Dozens of schools in and around Canberra, Australia, have been closed after potentially asbestos-contaminated colored play sand was found to be in use. This follows a voluntary recall of the sand by major retailers and a previous warning about asbestos in similar products. While officials say the health risk is low unless the sand is pulverized, approximately 75% of public schools in the Australian Capital Territory have been closed for cleanup. Similar closures are occurring in New Zealand. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding the risk level and whether the recalled sand is sold outside of Australia and New Zealand.
News Article:
Canberra Schools Shut Down Amid Asbestos Play Sand Scare
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – Dozens of schools in and around the Australian capital city of Canberra have been shuttered following the discovery of potentially asbestos-contaminated colored play sand, officials announced Sunday. Approximately 75% of public schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), totaling around 70 institutions, are affected by the closures.
The move comes after major retailers Kmart and Target issued voluntary recalls of the colored sand products over the weekend, prompting ACT officials to investigate their use in local schools. Upon confirmation, the decision was made to close the schools for cleanup, which is expected to take several days.
Similar school closures are also being reported in New Zealand, according to the national broadcaster.
While the presence of asbestos, a banned health hazard in Australia and many other countries, has triggered the closures, officials emphasize that the health risk is considered low. According to the recall notice, the asbestos detected is not “respirable” under normal conditions and poses a minimal inhalation risk unless the sand is mechanically crushed or pulverized.
This incident marks the second warning about potential asbestos contamination in colored sand products used in Australian schools in recent days. Just days prior, a similar announcement regarding other sand products sold by different retailers led to an earlier round of school closures in the ACT.
The extent of the risk posed by the contaminated sand and whether it is sold outside of Australia and New Zealand remains unclear. U.S. press representatives for Target and Kmart have yet to respond to requests for comment on whether these products are sold in the United States.
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