In brief
In response to fears regarding asbestos-laden play sand, 69 schools in the Australian Capital Territory are set to close. The products, recalled by Kmart and Target, were found to potentially pose a risk. Inspections are currently being conducted, but initial air tests show no airborne asbestos. Officials emphasize the importance of safety despite the low risk.
A total of 69 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will be forced to close on Monday after coloured play sand was recalled due to asbestos risk, the government has said.
A recall for the products, which were found to have traces of asbestos in some samples, was issued by Kmart and Target on Saturday.
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) said there was a low risk that the asbestos could become airborne or fine enough for inhalation.
Inspections of the schools are under way and could take days, said ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry in a post on Facebook. She added that air testing so far has come back negative to airborne asbestos from all schools.
This follows a previous incident where several schools and preschools in the region were fully or partially closed after a warning over asbestos risks in children's sand sold by Officeworks.
State Emergency Service volunteers and school staff have been assessing buildings throughout the weekend, carefully mapping visible coloured sand.
Despite the low risk, Berry stated that the government is obligated to mitigate risks as much as possible, leading to the closure of 69 schools. Only 23 schools without or with minimal stocks of the sand will remain open.
The products subject to the recall include Active Sandtub 14 piece Sand Castle Building Set, and the Blue, Green, and Pink Magic Sand varieties.
Asbestos is known for its health hazards, capable of remaining harmful when disturbed and potentially leading to cancer. The importation of asbestos and related goods is banned in Australia.
