coloredDozens of schools and early learning centers across Australia and New Zealand have been forced to close—fully or partially—after coloured children’s play sand was found contaminated with tremolite asbestos.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued an urgent recall on Wednesday after lab tests confirmed traces of asbestos in several sand products commonly used for sensory play and arts activities. Although the ACCC stated the health risk is considered “low,” it warned the material could still pose a potential danger, especially if broken down or crushed.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) also released an alert, urging anyone who purchased the affected products to stop using them immediately and dispose of them only through licensed professionals listed on the WorkSafe website.
By Friday, the crisis had escalated with:
- 15 schools and 7 preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) completely shut,
- 6 more partially closed, and
- Reports of at least one school closure in Queensland.
New Zealand also temporarily closed five early childhood centers and two schools while specialists assess and remove contaminated sand, according to RNZ.
The recalled items include:
- Kadink Sand (1.3kg)
- Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
- Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1 kg)
These products, imported from China and sold between 2020 and 2025, are stocked by major stationery retailers such as Officeworks. The company has already halted sales and said an independent assessment found the safety risk to be “negligible.”
fibersAsbestos becomes hazardous when inhaled, with fibres causing serious lung damage and cancers. Both Australia and New Zealand have strict bans on importing or selling any asbestos-containing materials.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry acknowledged parents’ concerns, noting that the sand was used widely for classroom activities. She said shutting down schools will allow immediate testing and cleanup.
Authorities in Victoria and New South Wales have not ordered closures, but schools have been told to remove the products right away as a precaution.
Officials across both countries say they are working quickly to identify affected schools and ensure proper remediation to protect students, staff, and families.
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