Multiple ACT schools shut after alert over asbestos in coloured sand products | Asbestos

More than a dozen primary schools and nurseries in the ACT have closed their doors after an asbestos warning was issued for a range of colorful children’s litter products imported from China and sold at leading Australian retailers.

On Friday morning, the ACT’s education minister Yvette Berry confirmed 15 schools and three nurseries would be fully closed and five schools would be partially closed to more than one group while testing and remediation continued.

This follows the Australian Consumer Competition Commission (ACCC) recall on Wednesday of 1.3kg versions of Kadink Sand (1.3kg) and Educational Colors – Rainbow Sand, as well as 1kg packs of Creatistics – Colored Sand products, due to chrysotile asbestos concerns.

In a post on Facebook around 9 a.m. Friday morning, Berry said he understood the situation was “evolving” and the news “may be distressing” for the families.

He said the decorative sand product was used in some of the ACT’s public schools for sensory play and arts and crafts.

“WorkSafe ACT has advised that the risk of exposure to chrysotile residues is low but that the safety of students, staff and families is our top priority,” he wrote.

“The decision to close schools has been taken in line with Department for Education policy and advice from WorkSafe regarding the required safe management and recovery process.

“The Directorate of National Education will report the test results as soon as possible… The Directorate of National Education makes recommendations to non-public schools as well as early childhood education and care services.”

The products were also sold across Australia between 2020 and 2025 by other retailers including Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art, the ACCC said.

Officeworks also recalled natural and purple colored KD Plain Sand (1.3kg), KD Magic Sand (2kg) and Kadink six-part decorative sand due to these concerns.

It was stated that the products were manufactured in China and almost all were supplied by art supplies company Educational Colours, except for Kadink decorative sand, which was supplied by local wholesaler Shamrock Australia.

Cranleigh School, a specialist school in Holt, was also among the schools closed.

A post on Facebook Friday morning said testing was already underway at some schools and would continue through the weekend.

“Staff are not expected to provide teaching and learning to students today,” the post read. “Other tasks that can be done from home can continue. We cannot reach the building in any way today.

“Once the works have been completed, a consent report will be submitted stating that the areas are safe to use. On Sunday afternoon, we will confirm the teaching and learning arrangements for Monday.”

Asbestos, a dangerous substance that can cause fatal diseases and has been banned in Australia since 2003, is not allowed to be imported except in very limited cases.

Worksafe ACT urges anyone with product or arts and crafts containing sand at home to immediately destroy and remove the product. Do their best to prevent fibers from blowing up.

This includes wearing disposable gloves, a P2-rated face mask and safety glasses when disposing of any product.

“Do not disturb or use and isolate the product,” the official said.

“Carefully double-wrap the sand, its container, and associated materials in 200-micron plastic bags, seal tightly with tape, and clearly label the package as asbestos waste.”

Asbestos cannot be disposed of with general waste and must be taken to resource management facilities.

Asbestos-contaminated mulch led to the closure of schools, hospitals and parks in Sydney in 2024, while historic rubbish dumping and legacy pollution were blamed for scars found in parks in Melbourne’s west.

-With AAP.