Asbestos Scare Forces School Closures Across Australia

Fri Nov 14 2025 15:25:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An alarming discovery of tremolite asbestos in children's sand toys has led to the closure of around 30 schools in Australia. Authorities emphasize the importance of public safety while coordinating necessary testing and remediation.

In response to a recall over asbestos contamination found in colored sand products, approximately 30 schools and preschools in the Australian Capital Territory and parts of Queensland have been closed to ensure student safety. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission issued a warning after the detection of tremolite asbestos, noting a low risk of airborne fibers. While some regions, like Victoria, have not imposed school closures, safety alerts have been issued to facilitate swift removal of affected products from schools.

About 30 schools in Australia have been fully or partially closed after a warning over asbestos risks in children's sand.

A recall notice for the coloured products, which were found to contain traces of tremolite asbestos, was issued by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday.

The regulator said there was a 'low' risk that the asbestos could become airborne or fine enough for inhalation, but it 'may still pose a risk'.

On Friday, at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - where Canberra is situated - were fully closed, with six others partially closed as a precaution. There are also reports of a school closure in Queensland.

The ACCC said tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, had been detected in some samples after laboratory testing.

However, it added that respiratory asbestos had not been detected in any of the samples, and the release of respiratory asbestos fibres from the sand was 'unlikely' unless it was 'processed by mechanical means' such as crushing or pulverising.

Asbestos becomes dangerous when fibres are breathed in, as they can damage the lungs and cause diseases including cancer.

The affected sand products, imported from China and sold throughout Australia between 2020 and 2025, were available at several stationery retailers, including Officeworks.

In a precautionary move, New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment also issued a voluntary recall of certain sand products after Australian testing.

Yvette Berry, the ACT's education minister, stated on social media that the products were 'used at some of our public schools for sensory play, and arts and crafts'.

Berry emphasized that school closures were necessary for prompt testing and remediation to occur, acknowledging the potential distress this news may cause families.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the state of Victoria reassured that no state schools would close there, citing low health risks associated with these products. In New South Wales, alerts were sent to schools to ensure prompt removal of the affected sands.