Asbestos found in children’s coloured play sand: here’s how we can support

The situation

The issue came to light when laboratory testing detected two types of asbestos, tremolite and chrysotile, in coloured sand commonly used in children’s play and classroom activities.

Following the discovery, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a nationwide recall for several products sold at major Australian retailers, including Officeworks. Officeworks has also chosen to recall additional products as a precaution. The sand, marketed for children’s play and educational use, is popular in early learning centres and school classrooms.

Asbestos chrysotile fibres can cause illness. Source: Getty Images

Although they are considered less likely to release dangerous airborne fibres, the presence of any asbestos in a children’s product has understandably caused widespread concern.

Asbestos is a well-known carcinogen, and even when the risk of exposure from this sand appears to be low, experts consistently warn that no level of asbestos exposure should be ignored.

States and territories are now responding with varying levels of caution. In the ACT, several schools were closed so that licensed asbestos removal teams could safely remove affected sand and ensure classrooms and playgrounds were safe to use again.

South Australia has confirmed that many of its schools and preschools have the same sand on site, and authorities are working to remove both opened and unopened bags. Tasmania has been particularly affected; the state undertook a rapid audit of more than 200 locations, including schools, libraries and early-learning centres, to identify where the sand may have been used and to begin coordinated clean-up efforts.

As a result, many schools around Australia remain fully or partially closed while specialist cleaning continues.

Early testing has not identified any “respirable” fibres (the tiny fibres that can be inhaled); however, authorities are not taking any chances. Independent asbestos assessors are inspecting affected sites, and schools will only reopen once thorough cleaning has been completed and expert clearance confirms they are safe.

What’s the risk to children?

Even if the immediate health risk is believed to be low, this is a deeply unsettling situation for families and school staff. Children may have directly handled the sand during play, craft or sensory activities.

Parents are left worrying about what their children may have been exposed to, while schools are balancing safety requirements with pressure to resume normal operations.

This issue also raises important legal and regulatory concerns. Schools have a duty of care to ensure that their environment is safe for students and staff.

Asbestos-related illnesses often develop over decades, meaning people sometimes live for years with unanswered questions. Even when the risk is low, people may still want clarity about their rights, their options and whether any protective steps should be taken.

What you can do

Parents and schools should continue following official advice. Any sand suspected to be part of the recall should be sealed and kept out of reach until a licensed professional can advise on disposal.

Families should stay updated on school announcements and government updates, and we recommend seeking legal advice if there are concerns about exposure or liability.

Importantly, parents should also do the following:

• Document any possible use of or exposure to the affected sand, including dates, locations, and the type of activity involved.
• Report the potential exposure to your GP so it’s recorded in your child’s medical records.

Keeping these records now ensures any future health concerns can be properly monitored and creates a clear link between the exposure and your child’s ongoing care. We can guide you on what information to provide to your GP and how to ensure the exposure is accurately captured in their medical file.

If you’re unsure whether your child may have come into contact with the affected sand, or you need support compiling the details, please reach out. Getting this information documented early can make a meaningful difference later.

We’re here to help

At Maurice Blackburn, we know how stressful asbestos concerns can be, especially when they involve children. With decades of experience in asbestos law, our team of dedicated asbestos compensation lawyers are here to listen to your story and provide expert legal assistance and support.  

If you believe your family has been affected, we offer free, no-obligation discussions and can guide you through your legal options. Contact us today.