Australian educational institutions have enacted full or partial closures following warnings regarding asbestos contamination in children's sand products. Approximately 30 schools and preschools across Australia have been affected, with at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) fully closed, and six others partially closed as a precautionary measure. A school closure in Queensland has also been reported.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice on Wednesday for specific colored sand products after laboratory testing detected traces of tremolite asbestos. The ACCC stated that while there is a "low" risk of asbestos becoming airborne or fine enough for inhalation, a risk may still exist. It further clarified that respiratory asbestos was not detected in any samples, and the release of respiratory asbestos fibers was considered "unlikely" unless the material was processed mechanically, such as by crushing or pulverizing. Asbestos, a prohibited substance in Australia, is known to cause lung damage and diseases, including cancer, when its fibers are inhaled.
The affected sand products are imported from China and have been sold across Australia from 2020 to 2025 through various stationery supply chains, including Officeworks. Products identified in the recall notice include Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), and Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg). Officeworks has additionally recalled Kadink six-piece decorative sand, KD Plain Sand (1.3kg), and KD Magic Sand (2kg) in natural and purple variants. In a related development, New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment issued a voluntary recall for EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics - Coloured Sand (1kg) as a precautionary measure following the Australian testing.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed via social media that these products were utilized in public schools for sensory play, arts, and crafts. She acknowledged the potential distress for families and stated that the school closures would facilitate immediate testing and remediation efforts.