More schools close after play sand recall
Retailers respond as precautionary measure.
Hundreds of schools across Australia and New Zealand have been forced to close in recent days after asbestos was detected in several brands of widely used coloured play sand.
Schools affected by asbestos-linked play sand have more than doubled in recent days.
More than 300 schools in South Australia have now reported having play sand linked to asbestos following the nationwide recall of the product. An ACT government audit found 69 schools had stocked Kadink decorative sand, while three further schools had small, isolated stock.
The initial recall notices were issued by supplier Educational Colours for colourful children’s sand products sold at more than 80 retailers, including Officeworks, Woolworths and a range of educational and art supply stores.
The recall has since been expanded to include products sold at Kmart and Target in Australia following a recall of several similar products.
The Educational Colours products were sold throughout Australia between 2020 and 2025.
Importantly, respiratory asbestos has not been detected in any of the tested samples. The release of respiratory asbestos fibres from the sand is unlikely to occur in its current state, unless the sand is processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising.
Officeworks obtained an independent health and safety risk assessment on EC’s products conducted by Occupational Hygiene and OHS Solutions, which concluded there is no identifiable safety hazard and therefore the safety risk associated with these products is negligible.
Withdrawal from sale and voluntary recall of the products has been taken purely as a precautionary measure, Officeworks said.
“In this regard, we have also commenced a voluntary recall of the Kadink sand product supplied by Shamrock Australia and will work with our suppliers to fully address the issue.” the company said.
Date Published:
17 November 2025