CANBERRA, Australia (BN24)— Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday after authorities discovered that coloured play sand used in classrooms may contain asbestos. The closures follow a voluntary recall of the product by major retailers Kmart and Target and a government audit that found the sand is widely used across ACT public schools.
The ACT government identified 69 schools that stock the affected sand. These schools will remain closed to allow authorities to conduct safety assessments, clean-up, and remediation. An additional 23 schools will stay open. Of those, three have small amounts of the sand, which officials said are isolated and not affecting classroom activities, while the remaining 20 do not use any craft sand products.
“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,” the government said in a statement.
The announcement comes after similar closures on Friday and national guidance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regarding Kadink Decorative Sand, another product used in schools that was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.
Authorities emphasized that the recall is precautionary, based on preliminary results. More comprehensive scientific testing is underway to determine the full extent of contamination. Regulatory authorities have advised schools to stop using any identified sand products and follow recall and disposal instructions.
“Regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimize any potential risk,” the government said. Officials added that the risk to human health from exposure to the sand is currently assessed as low and that clinical assessments are not required for those who may have been in contact with the products.
Deputy Chief Minister Yvette Berry, a Labor member for Ginninderra, north of Canberra, said authorities continue to monitor the situation and update families and staff.
“I know that this has been worrying for our families and staff,” Berry wrote on Facebook on Sunday afternoon. “Based on currently available information, the risk to human health from exposure to these products is assessed as low. Thank you to our community, we appreciate your patience and your understanding.”
Authorities stated that the audit will continue throughout the week to ensure that all affected products are identified and removed from schools. Parents and staff are being urged to follow official guidance and not attempt to handle any suspected sand themselves.
