Sand contamination issues have surfaced in numerous South Australian schools, prompting some classrooms to shut down for cleaning. Meanwhile, warnings for parents and product recalls are being enforced across Australia.
As recalls expanded to include items from Kmart and Target, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry announced yesterday that the majority of the territory’s schools would remain closed today.
Last night, the government initiated audits across all public schools for these compromised products, leading to the closure of 71 schools, while only 23 remained open.
This decision came after additional closures were announced on Friday.
Minister Berry highlighted the potential duration of the process, stating that it might take days for asbestos contractors to conduct tests, remediate, and clear the affected areas for safe use again.
In South Australia, reports revealed that 130 schools contained the problematic sand; however, it was still sealed in 88 facilities, with loose sand discovered in 20 schools.
The SA government said some classrooms would be closed today for cleaning but a list was not freely available. Parents were urged to watch for communication from their schools.
No schools were listed as closed in NSW, Victoria or Queensland.
“The products may cause a risk to health as asbestos has been detected in some samples after laboratory testing,” ACCC Product Safety said.
“Importantly, respirable asbestos has not been detected in any of the tested samples.
“The release of respirable asbestos fibres is unlikely to occur in its current state, unless the sand is processed by mechanical means such as crushing or pulverising.
“The risk that any asbestos found, that is likely to be airborne or fine enough for inhalation, is low.”
Customers have been told to stop using the products immediately and safely dispose of them.
“Wear disposable gloves and a mask and either return in the original tub or place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” the recall notice said.
“Do not dispose of the products in general waste.”
