Schools in Australia and New Zealand Close Amid Asbestos Concerns in Children's Sand
Published 14 November 2025
Highlights
- Over 20 schools and preschools in Australia and New Zealand have closed due to asbestos contamination in children's sand products.
- The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall for sand products found to contain tremolite asbestos.
- New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) advised safe disposal of the sand through licensed professionals.
- The affected sand products, imported from China, were sold by major retailers including Officeworks.
- Authorities emphasize that the risk of asbestos exposure is low, but closures are a precautionary measure.
A significant number of schools and preschools across Australia and New Zealand have been temporarily closed following the discovery of asbestos in children's sand products. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall notice on Wednesday for several sand products found to contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that can pose serious health risks if inhaled.
Widespread School Closures
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), at least 15 schools and seven preschools were fully closed, with additional partial closures reported. A school in Queensland also shut its doors, while in New Zealand, five early learning services and two schools were closed as a precautionary measure. The closures follow the ACCC's recall of products such as Kadink Sand, Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand, and Creatistics - Coloured Sand, which were sold between 2020 and 2025.
Safety Measures and Public Response
The ACCC and New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have urged consumers to stop using the affected sand products and arrange for their safe disposal through licensed professionals. Despite the low risk of asbestos fibers becoming airborne, authorities are taking no chances. "The safety of students, staff, and families is our priority," stated ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry, emphasizing the precautionary nature of the closures.
Retailers and Product Recall
The sand products, imported from China, were distributed by major retailers including Officeworks, which has since ceased selling the items. Officeworks conducted an independent health and safety risk assessment, concluding that the safety risk was negligible. Nevertheless, the recall remains in effect as a precautionary step to ensure public safety.
What this might mean
The immediate focus for authorities in both countries is to ensure the safe disposal of the contaminated sand and to conduct thorough testing in affected schools. As remediation efforts continue, schools aim to reopen by early next week, pending clearance from health and safety officials. The incident underscores the importance of stringent import regulations and the need for ongoing vigilance in product safety. Moving forward, both Australia and New Zealand may consider revising their import policies to prevent similar occurrences, while retailers might enhance their product testing protocols to safeguard public health.
