Education facilities across Australia have been forced to close their doors after discovering asbestos contamination in popular children's play sand products. The alarming find has prompted immediate action from health and safety authorities.
Widespread School Closures
Multiple schools and early learning centres in the Australian Capital Territory shut down on Friday following laboratory tests that confirmed the presence of chrysotile asbestos in Kadink Decorative Sand. The contamination has also affected at least one school in Brisbane, leading to closures over potential exposure risks.
WorkSafe ACT issued an official contamination notice on Thursday after scientific analysis verified the dangerous substance in the popular art supply. The regulatory body has taken swift action to prevent further exposure to children and staff.
Product Recall Details
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has initiated a comprehensive recall of three specific sand products: Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg), and Kadink Sand (1.3kg) in various colours. These products were found to contain tremolite asbestos, a different type from that identified in the Kadink product.
All contaminated sand was manufactured in China and distributed through major Australian retailers including Officeworks and Woolworths. The products had been available for purchase between 2020 and 2025, though authorities suspect the contamination might be limited to recent batches.
Understanding the Health Risks
Asbestos becomes most dangerous when airborne and inhaled, potentially causing mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. While there is no safe level of exposure, health officials have emphasised that the risk in this particular case remains low due to the minimal amounts detected.
Professor Brian Oliver from the University of Technology Sydney explains that children face greater long-term risks from asbestos exposure because health complications can take decades to develop. Younger individuals have more time for these conditions to manifest compared to adults exposed later in life.
WorkSafe ACT has not released specific contamination levels but maintains that "the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low." However, they stress that any potential exposure should be taken seriously given the substance's known dangers.
Safe Disposal Guidelines
Parents and educators are advised to follow strict safety protocols when disposing of contaminated sand products. Proper protective equipment including disposable gloves, P2-rated face masks, and protective eyewear should be worn during handling.
The sand and its containers must be carefully double-wrapped in heavy-duty 200-micron plastic bags, sealed with tape, and clearly labelled as asbestos waste. Every precaution should be taken to prevent dust or fibres from becoming airborne during the disposal process.
Detailed instructions for asbestos disposal in specific territories are available through the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website. Concerned parents can contact their GP for advice about potential exposure concerns.
