Schools Shut After Asbestos Found in Children’s Play Sand

Multiple schools and early learning centers in the Australian Capital Territory were closed on Friday following the discovery of asbestos in colored sand used for children’s art and sensory activities. A school in Brisbane also shut its doors due to potential exposure, raising concerns among parents about the safety of their children.

On Thursday, WorkSafe ACT issued a contamination notice after laboratory tests confirmed traces of chrysotile, a type of asbestos, in Kadink Decorative Sand. This announcement followed an earlier recall by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for several sand products, including Educational Colours Rainbow Sand and Creatistics Colored Sand. These products were found to contain tremolite, a different form of asbestos, and were manufactured in China.

The recalled products were sold by various retailers, including Officeworks and Woolworths, between 2020 and 2025. Parents are understandably alarmed about possible asbestos exposure, especially since the material has been banned in Australia since 2003. Despite the concerns, health experts indicate that the risks associated with this specific contamination are low.

Understanding the Risk of Asbestos in Sand

Asbestos is a group of six different minerals, all of which are hazardous. Fortunately, the most dangerous variant, crocidolite or “blue” asbestos, has not been reported in the contaminated sand. According to the ACCC, the specific products affected by the recall were sold throughout Australia, but the contamination is likely limited to a specific batch, given that regular testing is conducted.

The exact mechanism by which asbestos contaminated the sand remains unclear. If the sand was sourced from a beach, the likelihood of contamination is minimal. However, sand that is manufactured through rock crushing could potentially include asbestos, as it is a naturally occurring mineral. Additionally, the processes used for dyeing the sand could also introduce contaminants.

Health Concerns and Safety Precautions

Asbestos poses the greatest danger when its fibers become airborne, which can occur during activities such as demolition and renovation of older buildings. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious health issues, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis, a chronic lung disease that restricts breathing. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure; however, the risk of developing health complications is proportional to the amount of exposure.

Research on the effects of asbestos exposure in children is limited, but it is understood that younger individuals face a heightened risk of developing related health issues. This is due to the long latency period for asbestos-related diseases, meaning the effects may take decades to manifest. Children exposed to asbestos, even in small amounts, could be at increased risk compared to adults.

WorkSafe ACT has not disclosed the specific levels of chrysotile found in the contaminated sand. Their statement indicates that “the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low,” suggesting that very small amounts were detected. While the potential for exposure should be treated with caution, it is not a cause for alarm.

For parents concerned about the safety of their children or the exposure to contaminated sand, proper disposal is essential. Detailed guidelines for safe disposal can be found on the WorkSafe ACT website. It is recommended to wear protective gear when disposing of the sand, and further information on asbestos disposal can be accessed through the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency’s website. If there are any worries about exposure, consulting a general practitioner is advisable.

The incident highlights the importance of vigilance regarding product safety, especially those intended for children. As concerns arise, regulatory bodies continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure public safety.