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Schools close across Australia and New Zealand over asbestos in children's sand
Dozens of schools and preschools in Australia and New Zealand have fully or partially shut down following warnings that coloured sand products used in classrooms may contain traces of asbestos.
The recall, issued Wednesday by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), identified tremolite asbestos-a naturally occurring form-in certain batches of imported sand. While regulators described the inhalation risk as "low," they cautioned that the material "may still pose a risk" if disturbed.
Widespread closures as precautionary measure
By Friday, at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), including Canberra, had closed entirely, with six others partially shutting. Queensland also reported at least one school closure. In New Zealand, the Ministry of Education confirmed five early learning centres and two schools would temporarily close while licensed teams assessed contamination risks, according to public broadcaster RNZ.
New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) urged immediate action. "Stop using the sand, contain it, secure it in a safe place, and arrange for disposal through licensed professionals," said MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin in a Wednesday statement. A list of approved disposal services is available on the WorkSafe website.
Regulators downplay immediate health threat
The ACCC clarified that respirable asbestos fibres-those small enough to inhale-were not detected in tested samples. The risk of fibre release remains "unlikely unless the sand is mechanically processed," such as through crushing or grinding. Asbestos exposure, when inhaled, can cause lung damage and cancers like mesothelioma.
Both Australia and New Zealand prohibit the import or export of asbestos-containing goods. The recalled products-Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg), and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)-were imported from China and sold between 2020 and 2025 through retailers like Officeworks, one of Australia's largest stationery chains.
"The safety risk associated with these products is negligible."
Officeworks, via Australian broadcaster ABC
Mixed responses from regional authorities
In the ACT, Education Minister Yvette Berry acknowledged the closures could alarm families but stressed the measure would "allow testing and remediation to occur as soon as possible." The sand had been used for "sensory play, arts, and crafts" in some public schools.
Contrastingly, Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) opted against closures. Victoria's education department cited "low health risk" assessments, while NSW issued a safety alert to public schools, directing them to "immediately and safely remove" any recalled sand products. "The health, safety, and wellbeing of students and staff is our highest priority," NSW officials stated.
Next steps: Testing and disposal
New Zealand's MBIE confirmed a voluntary recall of two products sold domestically-EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)-while authorities assess the contamination extent. The ACCC and MBIE both advised consumers to follow disposal guidelines strictly.
The supplier, Educational Colours Pty Ltd, has not yet responded to requests for comment from the BBC. Officeworks, meanwhile, said it had halted sales of the affected Educational Colours products pending further review.
