More than a dozen schools in Canberra and one in Brisbane have shut their doors today due to potential asbestos exposure. The closures stem from the use of a decorative coloured sand, recently found to contain traces of chrysotile, a naturally occurring form of asbestos.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice earlier this week for several sand products, including Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, and Creatistics Coloured Sand, following laboratory tests that detected asbestos.
Impact on Canberra and Brisbane Schools
ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry confirmed that Kadink Decorative Sand was used in some Canberra schools for sensory play and arts and crafts, prompting the closure of 15 public schools and the partial closure of several others. In Brisbane, Mancel College in the west has announced an immediate closure of its campus after discovering the sand product at its junior and senior schools. The college, which specializes in educating children and young people with language disorders, advised parents to collect their children.
Meanwhile, Indooroopilly Outside School Hours Care (IOSHC) in Brisbane has informed parents about the use of the decorative sand in their after-school program. However, IOSHC remains open, assuring families that all products containing the sand have been removed. A safety notice sent to parents stated,
“We would love to assure families that all remaining products and craft containing this product, has been removed from the service.”
Precautionary Measures and Broader Implications
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) has advised that any materials or areas impacted should be isolated. They recommend avoiding sweeping, shovelling, vacuuming, or disturbing any sand. The ABC has reached out to the Queensland Education Department to determine if other schools in the state are affected.
In contrast, schools in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory remain open. The Victorian Department of Education (VPE), the NSW Department of Education, and the Northern Territory Department of Education (NTDE) have confirmed that no schools have closed in these regions. A VPE spokesperson noted,
“Advice from the Department of Health and ACCC is [that] the health risk from use of these products is low.”
They added that there is no current need to close schools or early childhood services.
ACCC Recall and Public Safety Advice
The ACCC’s deputy chair, Catriona Lowe, emphasized the importance of checking homes for the recalled products. She explained,
“What has been found is naturally occurring asbestos, in what’s called fibre bundles. Asbestos is a problem when it’s inhaled and that means microscopic fibres.”
Although there is no indication of immediate danger, the recall was issued out of caution.
For those who have the sand products at home, authorities recommend not disturbing or using them to prevent airborne dust or fibres. When disposing of the product, individuals should wear disposable gloves, protective eyewear, and a P2-rated face mask. In the ACT, the sand must be double-wrapped in thick plastic bags, sealed with tape, and identified as asbestos waste, as it cannot be disposed of in general waste.
Looking Ahead
This situation underscores the importance of stringent product safety checks and the swift response required to protect public health. As the investigation continues, schools and parents are advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines. The ACCC and educational authorities are working collaboratively to ensure the safety of students and staff while minimizing disruption to education.
The discovery of asbestos in these products serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing asbestos risks, despite its known dangers and the strict regulations surrounding its use. As more information becomes available, authorities will continue to update the public on necessary actions and safety measures.
