More than 300 South Australian schools caught up in asbestos play sand recall

The scale of the asbestos school scare skyrocketed overnight; The number of South Australian areas affected has more than doubled to almost 300.

The increase comes as schools voice concerns about playground sand recalls linked to asbestos, prompting removal crews to begin clearing the products from classrooms and playgrounds across the state.

The problem centers on piles of imported colored “kinetic” sand that tested positive for asbestos, prompting emergency inspections at nurseries, primary and secondary schools and early childhood centres.

The SA Department of Education has confirmed that licensed contractors are currently on site removing the recalled materials.

“More than 300 facilities have now contacted the department for further advice or to report sand products,” the department said in a statement.

“The department works closely with SafeWork SA, giving the safety of students and staff the highest priority.

“The risk is low and managed in line with national standards and expert advice from SafeWork SA.”

The number of affected areas has increased, from about 130 schools on Monday to nearly 300 on Tuesday.

The full list of affected schools is available at: Ministry of National Education website.

SA’s concerns come as schools across the country face similar recalls.

So far, 74 schools across the country have been closed for assessment and cleaning, including 72 state schools in the ACT, one independent school in Queensland and one independent school in Tasmania.

Tasmania today ordered the closure of six more schools over asbestos fears. No closures have been reported in NSW or Victoria.

Australia isn’t the only country facing an asbestos scare; Schools in New Zealand were also reportedly closed after detecting the same products.

The country’s Ministry of Education said about 150 schools and 90 early learning services contacted them with questions, while some schools chose to temporarily close their doors.

The recall covers many bright, child-focused litter products sold at Woolworths, Officeworks, Kmart and Target.

WorkSafe SA advised that the products may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring form of the material.

Customers were asked to stop using the sand immediately and dispose of it safely.

“Wear disposable gloves and a mask and either return it to the original tub or place the litter in a heavy-duty plastic bag and securely double-tape it with tape and keep it out of reach of children,” the recall notice said.

Australia has banned the import and use of asbestos since 2003.