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Asbestos-Tainted Play Sand Triggers Wide School Disruptions as SA Sites Top 350

Precautionary clean-ups follow trace detections of two asbestos types.

Overview

  • Australia’s ACCC recall remains in effect after testing confirmed tremolite and chrysotile in coloured play sand sold by major retailers including Kmart, Target, Officeworks and Woolworths.
  • South Australia reports more than 350 education sites with the products, with licensed contractors removing loose sand and two Catholic special schools closed for deep cleaning.
  • In the ACT, 25 public schools remain closed today with 16 partially closed and 51 fully reopened as asbestos removal teams continue work across campuses.
  • New Zealand officials say several hundred schools and early learning services have sought guidance and about 16 early childhood centres have closed while isolation and cleanup protocols proceed.
  • Responses vary by jurisdiction, with the ACT requiring licensed removalists and others advising double-bagging and secure disposal, leaving many parents uncertain about handling sand at home.