Asbestos Fears Force Closure of 69 Australian Schools Amid Coloured Sand Recall

A total of 69 schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) were forced to close on Monday after coloured play sand was recalled due to asbestos risk, the government announced. The 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) stated that there was a "low" risk that the asbestos could become airborne or fine enough for inhalation. According to ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry, inspections of the schools are under way and could "take days" to complete. Berry also reported that air testing so far has come back "negative to airborne asbestos" from all schools. The minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of students and staff, stating that the government is taking the situation seriously and working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. The recall was issued after several schools and preschools in the region were fully or partially closed on Friday, following a warning over asbestos risks in children's sand sold by Officeworks. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of play materials in schools and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. In a statement, Berry acknowledged the concerns of parents and the community, saying, "We understand that this news may cause concern for parents and caregivers, and we want to assure them that we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our students and staff." The minister also emphasized that the government is working closely with the ACCC and other relevant authorities to investigate the matter and take necessary actions. The incident has also led to school closures in New Zealand, with at least two other schools set to close for testing on Monday, according to the New Zealand Herald. The situation has highlighted the need for international cooperation and information sharing to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of children. As the inspections and testing continue, the government is working to provide support to affected schools and families. Berry stated that the government will provide updates on the situation and will take necessary actions to ensure the safety of students and staff. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution in ensuring the safety of children in educational settings.