More than 70 schools in Australia and New Zealand closed recently due to asbestos discovered in children’s play sand.
The schools closed for cleaning after the health risk was noticed in laboratory testing. According to reports in Reuters and the New York Times, recalls have been issued for several color play sand products supplied by Educational Colours.
There are several types of asbestos. The two found in the play sand were tremolite asbestos and chrysotile asbestos. The latter is the most common type of asbestos. The United States Environmental Protection Agency banned chrysotile asbestos.
Scope of School Closures in Australia and New Zealand
The controversy led to dozens of schools and preschools in the Australian Capital Territory and one in Brisbane closing down for at least one school day. The 70 closed schools in the area equals approximately 75% of the education institutions.
In New Zealand, at least five schools that used Kmart’s sand closed for asbestos testing out of precaution. More than 100 schools expressed concern to government leaders about possibly using a recalled children’s play sand.
Asbestos in Sand and Dangers for Children
Asbestos is a dangerous natural mineral. The substance can be found in the earth’s soil. When intact, it can be safe, but the slightest disturbance from mining or manufacturing can release sharp fibers. These fibers can be inhaled or swallowed and cause cancer for innocent people.
Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, which is a rare and aggressive cancer starting in the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. The cancer takes 20-50 years to start spreading after exposure to asbestos.
Children playing with the colorful sand and exposed to asbestos may develop mesothelioma or another cancer later in life. The decision to close the schools was to protect the children and teachers.
Schools can be affected by asbestos in other ways aside from children’s sand. Schools in the United States often close due to finding asbestos in walls, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, insulation, and more.
Asbestos can protect buildings against heat and fire damage, and the mineral was prized during the 20th century before the cancer risk was known. This led to asbestos in schools even today as old asbestos lingers in walls.
Recalls Expand to Large Store Chains
Recalls of play sand spread to Kmart and Target, two massive consumer store chains. They recalled a 14-piece sand castle building set, plus blue, green, and pink magic sand.
The recalls were only for Australia and New Zealand. There are no reports yet of the troubled products being sold in the United States.
Reuters said the sand products in question were sold by Australia-based retailers from 2020-2025.
Sources & Author
- Asbestos contamination forces schools in Australia, New Zealand to close. Reuters. Retrieved from: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/asbestos-contamination-forces-schools-australia-new-zealand-close-2025-11-17/. Accessed: 12/02/2025.
- Dozens of Australian Schools Close Over Asbestos Fears. New York Times. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/16/world/australia/schools-asbestos-sand.html. Accessed: 12/02/2025.
