Imagine discovering that a seemingly harmless art supply could pose a serious health risk to children. That’s the alarming reality facing multiple schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), where a recent asbestos alert has led to the closure of over a dozen primary and preschools. But here’s where it gets even more concerning: the source of this danger is colorful sand products, a staple in sensory play and arts and crafts, imported from China and sold by major Australian retailers. This isn’t just a minor recall—it’s a full-blown crisis that has parents, educators, and authorities on high alert.
On Friday, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry announced that 15 schools and three preschools would be completely shut down, while five others would face partial closures affecting multiple cohorts. This drastic measure comes after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recalled several products, including Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, and Creatistics Coloured Sand, due to the presence of chrysotile asbestos—a known carcinogen banned in Australia since 2003. And this is the part most people miss: these products were widely available across the country from 2020 to 2025, sold not only by Officeworks but also by retailers like Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids, and Zart Art.
In a Facebook post, Minister Berry acknowledged the distress this situation might cause families, emphasizing that the safety of students, staff, and families is the top priority. While WorkSafe ACT has stated that the risk of exposure to asbestos traces is low, the decision to close schools was made to ensure thorough testing and remediation. This isn’t the first time asbestos has sparked panic—in 2024, contaminated mulch led to closures of schools, hospitals, and parks in Sydney, and traces were found in Melbourne playgrounds due to historic dumping. But the idea that children’s toys could be tainted with such a hazardous material raises a troubling question: How did this happen, and could it happen again?
Officeworks has joined the recall effort, pulling products like KD Plain Sand and KD Magic Sand from its shelves. Most of these items were supplied by Educational Colours, though Kadink decorative sand came from Shamrock Australia. Schools like Cranleigh in Holt have already begun testing, with staff working remotely while the buildings remain inaccessible. Once remediation is complete, clearance reports will confirm when it’s safe to return. In the meantime, WorkSafe ACT is urging anyone with these products at home to dispose of them immediately—but not in the regular trash. Asbestos waste requires special handling: double-wrap the sand and its container in 200-micron plastic bags, seal it securely, and label it clearly before taking it to a resource management facility.
This incident isn’t just a wake-up call for parents and educators—it’s a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday items. Should we be more vigilant about the origins and safety of imported products, especially those designed for children? And what steps should regulators take to prevent such risks in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
