When you think about keeping kids safe at school, asbestos in play sand probably isn’t on your radar. But that’s exactly what’s happening in Australia right now, where nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory are closing their doors on Monday after coloured play sand was found to contain traces of the toxic substance.
Major retailers Kmart and Target issued recalls over the weekend for several products, including the Active Sandtub 14 piece Sand Castle Building Set and various coloured “magic sand” products. This follows similar closures on Friday after Officeworks sand was flagged, and even schools in New Zealand are shutting down for testing. It’s a parent’s nightmare scenario that’s unfolding across two countries.
Here’s what makes this particularly concerning: asbestos was once commonly used in building materials, but when disturbed, it releases toxic fibres that can cling to lungs and potentially cause cancer decades later. Both Australia and New Zealand have strict laws prohibiting the import or export of asbestos-containing goods, which raises serious questions about how these products made it onto store shelves and into classrooms in the first place.
The good news? The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission says there’s a “low” risk that the asbestos could become airborne or fine enough for inhalation. Air testing at schools has so far come back negative for airborne asbestos, and officials say people who’ve been in contact with the product don’t need clinical assessments.
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry acknowledged the situation on Facebook, noting that “these sand products are even more widely used in our schools than the Officeworks products.” State Emergency Service volunteers and school staff spent the weekend walking through buildings and mapping every bit of coloured sand they could find.
Despite the minimal risk, Berry emphasized that the government is “required to eliminate risk as much as reasonably practicable.” It’s a cautious approach that prioritizes children’s safety above all else, even if it means disrupting school schedules. Inspections could take days, leaving parents scrambling for childcare and wondering how this happened.
This story matters because it highlights the ongoing challenges of product safety in an era of global supply chains. It’s a reminder that vigilance is essential, even with everyday items we assume are safe for our children.
Want to know more about the recall and which products are affected? Check out the full article on BBC News for all the details and updates as this situation develops.
