At least 70 schools shut in Australia, New Zealand over asbestos in play sand
While respiratory asbestos fibres are unlikely to be released unless the sand is crushed, the risk is still there, Australian watchdog says
Recalls have been issued for several colourful play sand products after laboratory testing detected traces of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos.
A number of schools and preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and one in Brisbane shut on Friday after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a national recall notice on Wednesday for products supplied by Educational Colours.
Further recalls were then issued by Kmart and Target on Saturday for a 14-piece sand castle building set as well as blue, green and pink magic sand.
As of Monday, more than 70 schools in the ACT were closed to allow for assessment and clean-up, the territorial government said.
“We have found that use of this product is widespread across ACT public schools,” it said. “In the interest of the safety of our students, staff and community, we have decided to close some schools that have this product.”