Multiple primary schools and preschools in the Australian Capital Territory were forced into a sudden closure just hours before the school day was due to begin, following the discovery of asbestos in a popular children's craft product.
Immediate Closures and Nationwide Recall
The ACT Education Department confirmed that traces of chrysotile asbestos were identified in a coloured sand used for craft and sensory play activities. This discovery prompted the immediate shutdown of 15 primary schools and three preschools on Friday. A further five schools were partially closed as a precautionary measure.
The decorative sand, imported from China and sold under the brand Kadink Decorative Sand in 10-gram tubes, is at the centre of a growing health scare. The incident has triggered a national recall of similar children's sand products sold at major retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art.
Safety Response and Disposal Instructions
While WorkSafe ACT has stated the risk of exposure is low, the education department emphasised that student and staff safety remains the highest priority. "While WorkSafe ACT has identified the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low, the safety of our schools is our highest priority," the department said in an official statement.
Asbestos testing is now being carried out at all impacted schools during the temporary closures. Authorities have issued urgent guidance for any households that may have the product:
- Do not disturb or use the sand.
- Wear disposable gloves, a P2-rated face mask, and protective eyewear when handling it.
- Carefully double-wrap the sand, its container, and any related materials in 200-micron plastic bags.
- Seal the bags securely with tape and clearly label the package as asbestos waste.
- Take the package to a designated resource management facility, as it cannot be disposed of in general waste.
Wider Context and Affected Products
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initiated a national alert on Wednesday after laboratory testing detected another form of asbestos, tremolite, in related products. The recall affects specific batches of:
- Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
- Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)
These products have been available in the Australian and New Zealand markets since 2020, with a voluntary recall now also issued across New Zealand. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe confirmed that Officeworks has removed all affected items from its shelves.
This event echoes recent asbestos scares in Australia, notably the contaminated mulch that closed schools, hospitals, and parks in Sydney in 2024, highlighting an ongoing national issue with legacy contamination in public spaces.
