Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Asbestos Found in Children's Play Sand Leads to School Closures
Imagine playing in a sandbox at school.
Some sand in Australia and New Zealand turned out to have a tiny bit of a dangerous dust called asbestos in it.
This dust can make people sick if they breathe it in, so many schools had to close for a day to clean up and check if the sand was safe.
They are throwing away the bad sand so kids can play safely again.
Even though the dust wasn't flying in the air, everyone wanted to be extra careful.
Over 70 schools in Australia and New Zealand closed for cleaning after asbestos was found in children's play sand products.
Recalls were issued for play sand products supplied by Educational Colours, Kmart, and Target due to asbestos contamination.
The affected sand products were used in sensory play and sold between 2020 and 2025.
Asbestos is a prohibited substance in Australia and New Zealand linked to cancer when inhaled or ingested.
While airborne asbestos was not detected in tested samples, the potential risk of inhalation remains a concern.
- Who
- Over 70 schools in Australia and New Zealand, and more than 120 families in New Zealand.
- What
- Closure of schools for cleaning and assessment due to asbestos contamination found in children's play sand products.
- When
- Schools closed on Monday; recalls issued Wednesday and Saturday.
- Where
- Australia (ACT, Brisbane) and New Zealand.
- Why
- Traces of asbestos were detected in play sand products, necessitating a recall and safety checks.
Government and School Authorities
Parents and Caregivers
Safety Measures
Government and School Authorities
Schools closed for thorough cleaning and assessment to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Parents and Caregivers
Concerned about the potential health risks to children due to the presence of asbestos in play products.
Risk Assessment
Government and School Authorities
The risk of airborne asbestos fibers being inhaled is low, as no fine or airborne asbestos was detected in tested samples.
Parents and Caregivers
Despite low detection, any presence of asbestos in children's products is unacceptable and a cause for worry.
- Schools Affected
- Over 70 schools in Australia and New Zealand, including some in ACT and Brisbane; at least five in New Zealand
- Product Suppliers/Retailers
- Educational Colours, Kmart, Target
- Recalled Products
- Colourful play sand products, 14-piece sand castle building set, magic sand (blue, green, pink)
- Time of Sale
- Between 2020 and 2025
- Contaminant Found
- Traces of tremolite and chrysotile asbestos
- Asbestos Detection in Air
- No airborne or fine asbestos detected in tested samples
