More than 70 schools across the ACT will remain closed after some of Australia’s biggest retailers pulled popular play sand off shelves over concerns it may contain asbestos.

At least 15 schools were closed on Friday by the ACT Education Directorate after advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

In a national recall, the ACCC found Kadink decorative sand may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring form of asbestos. The sand is commonly used in schools for sensory play as well as arts and crafts.

72 schools across Canberra and the Jervis Bay area were closed for assessment on Monday.

An ACT government audit found 69 schools had the sand, while three held small amounts. Twenty schools not using the product reopened as normal.

The ACT government said the closures are precautionary and will allow time for assessment, clean-up and remediation, with the Education Minister, Yvette Berry, adding that the work “could take days”.

“Education Officials and expert asbestos contractors worked tirelessly over the weekend to clear as many classrooms in as many schools as possible,” she said.

Visual inspections will be carried out at every affected school, followed by testing and remediation by licensed asbestos contractors.

Kadink sand was also found at more than 100 sites in South Australia, though most were sealed in containers. One Brisbane school also closed.

Kmart and Target have recalled a 14-piece sandcastle set, along with blue, green and pink magic sand. Officeworks has removed Kadink decorative sand 10g six-packs. Three separate sand product ranges are now subject to recall.

Full list of recalled products below:

EC rainbow sand (1.3kg)

  • EVRS1CB – Choc brown
  • EVRS1OR – Orange
  • EVRS1PK – Pink
  • SD001-BE – Blue
  • SD001-BK – Black
  • SD001-DG – Dark green
  • SD001-PU – Purple
  • SD001-RE – Red
  • SD001-YE – Yellow

Creatistics coloured sand (1kg)

  • EC700 – Pink
  • EC701 – Black
  • EC702 – Blue
  • EC703 – Brown
  • EC704 – Green
  • EC705 – Purple
  • EC706 – Red
  • EC707 – White
  • EC708 – Yellow
  • EC713 – Orange

Kadink sand (1.3kg)

  • EVKADS13BL – Blue
  • EVKADS13GR – Green
  • EVKADS13NAT – Natural
  • EVKADS13PK – Pink
  • EVKADS13PUR – Purple
  • EVKADS13RD – Red
  • EVKADS13YL – Yellow
  • KDCOLSDMIX – Assorted colours

Active Sandtub 14-piece sandcastle building set
Kmart 42975724 / Target 69581984

Magic sand (Kmart only)

  • Blue magic sand – 42304364
  • Green magic sand – 42919650
  • Pink magic sand – 42304371

Kadink decorative sand 10g six-pack
KDOWK0089 – Sold at Officeworks 1 Aug 2020 – 12 Nov 2025

Asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003. Inhaling fibres can cause lung diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, with symptoms often appearing decades later, which is why there is a national recall.

The Department of Health described the recall as precautionary and said the risk to health is low.

“Based on the currently available information, we do not recommend any clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with these products,” it said.

The Education Minister confirmed that air testing in ACT schools has shown no airborne asbestos.

“However, the ACT has strong work health and safety laws, and we are required to eliminate risk as much as reasonably practicable,” she said.

The ACCC added that the fibres are unlikely to be released unless the sand is crushed or mechanically broken down.

Image: Kmart