More than 70 public schools in Australia were closed on Monday after trace amounts of asbestos were detected in coloured play sand products. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a national recall for several products supplied by Educational Colours, with further recalls from Kmart and Target for sand castle sets and magic sand.
In New Zealand, over 200 schools and childcare centres have sought advice from the Ministry of Education, with some closing as a precaution. The Early Childhood Council called for government assistance, citing significant costs for testing and disposal.
Experts say the risk of disease from short-term exposure is low. Dr Ian Musgrave from the University of Adelaide noted that while chrysotile and tremolite asbestos are less hazardous than blue asbestos, all types can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis if fibres are inhaled.
The ACCC confirmed that respiratory asbestos had not been detected in tested samples, but cautioned that airborne fibres could still pose a risk. Schools are working with authorities to assess contamination and conduct clean-ups.
