Dozens of schools and childcare centers across Australia and New Zealand have been closed due to the discovery of asbestos in children’s colored sand products, prompting urgent recalls and widespread safety precautions. The event, first reported within the last 24 hours, has led to temporary shutdowns and heightened concerns over child safety.
The crisis unfolded after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall on Wednesday for several brands of colored sand, including Kadink Sand, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, and Creatistics Coloured Sand, after laboratory tests detected tremolite asbestos. Simultaneously, New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) urged immediate cessation of use, emphasizing the need for safe disposal by licensed professionals to prevent any health risks.
In Australia, the impact has been significant, with at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory fully closed and six others partially shut as a precaution. Reports also indicated school closures in Queensland, while states like Victoria and New South Wales issued safety alerts but avoided full shutdowns, citing a low health risk. Authorities confirmed the products were sold through major retailers like Officeworks and were imported from China between 2020 and 2025.
Across the Tasman, New Zealand’s Ministry of Education reported that the number of affected institutions doubled, with five early learning services and two schools closing temporarily. As of Friday, 72 early learning centers and 55 schools had contacted the ministry, with over half confirming they had the recalled sand on site. The ministry advised schools not to attempt cleanup themselves but to close off affected areas and await professional assistance.
The health concerns stem from tremolite asbestos, a type of amphibole asbestos known for its straight, needle-like fibers that can cause severe respiratory diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions if inhaled. While the ACCC stated the risk of fibers becoming airborne is low unless the sand is mechanically processed, both Australian and New Zealand authorities have taken a cautious approach, recalling the products and providing guidance on safe handling.
On the ground, schools have responded swiftly. For example, Kapakapanui School in Waikanae, New Zealand, removed the sand from its junior block and relocated classes to halls and outdoor spaces, with principal Craig Vidulich noting that test results are expected early next week. Similarly, the Auckland Kindergarten Association closed two of its 112 centers, with most others unaffected or having sealed containers, and expects to reopen by Monday.
The incident has sparked broader discussions on product safety and regulatory oversight. Yvette Berry, ACT’s education minister, acknowledged the upset for families and assured that closures would facilitate testing and remediation. In New Zealand, MBIE is conducting precautionary actions while assessing the risk, and WorkSafe has engaged licensed asbestos removalists to address potential contamination.
Looking ahead, authorities are working to identify all affected sites and ensure comprehensive remediation. The recall and closures highlight the importance of vigilant supply chain management, with ongoing investigations likely to influence future import policies and school safety protocols.
