A national recall of coloured sand products has triggered widespread safety alerts and selective school closures across Australia, as education authorities move to contain the risk of asbestos exposure.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirmed last week that laboratory testing detected traces of asbestos in several imported sand products commonly used for arts, crafts and sensory play.
The affected products include Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, and Creatistics Coloured Sand, sold through major retailers such as Officeworks, Kmart and Target between 2020 and 2025.
ACT: 69 public schools closed
The most significant disruption has occurred in the Australian Capital Territory, where 69 public schools were closed on Monday 17 November following earlier closures of 23 schools and preschools last Friday. ACT Education Minister Ms Yvette Berry said the decision was made after additional recalled products were identified in classrooms.
Licensed asbestos contractors are working to remove the products, with remediation expected to take several days.
Queensland: one school closure
In Queensland, Mancel College in Brisbane closed on Friday after traces of the recalled sand were found on site. The Department of Education confirmed that no other schools have been closed, but safety alerts have been issued statewide.
New South Wales and Victoria: safety alerts only
Both NSW and Victoria have directed schools to remove affected products immediately but have not closed any public schools.
South Australia: 130 sites identified
South Australia’s Department for Education has confirmed that coloured sand products have been found at about 130 sites, including schools and preschools. Loose sand was detected at 20 sites, with contained sand at a further 88.
No schools have been closed, but hazard alerts have been issued and licensed contractors are removing the products.
Tasmania: Catholic and Independent school closures
Tasmania has seen six Catholic schools fully closed and six partially closed, along with closures at independent schools such as The Friends School in Hobart. The Department of Education confirmed that no public schools have closed, but safety alerts were issued to schools, libraries and childcare centres.
Northern Territory: precautionary measures
The Northern Territory Government reported no public school closures, following clear air testing at 10 sites. However, two early learning centres and four schools implemented temporary containment measures while affected products were removed.
Western Australia: 76 schools affected
In WA, 76 public schools have reported finding the recalled sand products, but Premier Roger Cook said closures are not anticipated.
National guidance
Authorities across all jurisdictions have stressed that the risk of asbestos exposure from these products is very low, as respirable fibres have not been detected in any tested samples. The release of fibres is considered unlikely unless the sand is crushed or pulverised. Parents and schools are urged to:
- Stop using affected products immediately
- Seal and store items safely
- Follow disposal instructions from licensed asbestos facilities
For a full list of recalled products and disposal advice, visit https://www.productsafety.gov.au.
