More than 70 public schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) were closed on Monday after the consumer regulator recalled several children's sand products due to potential asbestos contamination. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued recalls for products sold at major retailers including Officeworks, Kmart, and Target after laboratory tests detected asbestos in some samples.
The closures extended beyond the ACT, with schools in Tasmania and New Zealand also shutting their doors as a precaution. The ACCC's recalls followed earlier action by Officeworks, which voluntarily recalled additional products. The affected items include various brands of play sand sold for use in sandpits and craft activities.
Despite the widespread closures, the consumer watchdog has stated that the risk to children is low. Asbestos fibres are only dangerous if inhaled, and the type found in the sand is not considered highly friable. However, authorities have advised parents to check their sand products against the recall lists and to dispose of any affected items safely.
The incident has raised concerns about supply chain oversight and product safety standards. Investigations are ongoing to determine how asbestos came to be present in the sand, which is typically sourced from quarries. Retailers have been cooperating with the recalls, and affected customers are entitled to refunds.
