‘Negative to airborne asbestos’, but Australia still shuts 69 schools after sand recall | World News

Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday. (Photo: X/@BBCNews)

Nearly 70 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will close on Monday after coloured play sand used in playgrounds and classrooms was recalled because some samples were found to contain asbestos, according to BBC News. The recall was issued Kmart and Target.

ACT Education Miner Yvette Berry said inspections were continuing and that early air tests were “negative to airborne asbestos” at all schools. The government said people who have touched the sand do not need medical checks.
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How the asbestos scare began

The ACCC said the risk of fibres becoming airborne or fine enough to inhale was “low”. The recall covers Active Sandtub 14 Piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand.

Several ACT schools had already closed on Friday after a warning about sand sold Officeworks. Schools in New Zealand were also shut, with more expected to close for testing.

Berry said the newly recalled products were used more widely across ACT schools, and staff and emergency workers have been checking classrooms and “mapping all coloured sand they see”.

Up to 23 schools will stay open because they have little or none of the affected product.

What diseases can asbestos cause?

Asbestos is a mineral once used widely in buildings. If durbed, it can release tiny fibres that can stay in the lungs for many years. Long-term exposure can lead to serious illness, including:

Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen

Lung cancer – cancer of the lung tissue

Asbestosis – scarring of the lungs that causes breathlessness and long-term breathing problems

Australia and New Zealand ban asbestos and any products containing it.