‘Negative to airborne asbestos’, but Australia still shuts 69 schools after sand recall

How the asbestos scare began

The ACCC said the risk of fibres becoming airborne or fine enough to inhale was “low”. The recall covers Active Sandtub 14 Piece Sand Castle Building Set and Blue, Green and Pink Magic Sand.

Several ACT schools had already closed on Friday after a warning about sand sold by Officeworks. Schools in New Zealand were also shut, with more expected to close for testing.

Berry said the newly recalled products were used more widely across ACT schools, and staff and emergency workers have been checking classrooms and “mapping all coloured sand they see”.

Up to 23 schools will stay open because they have little or none of the affected product.

What diseases can asbestos cause?

Asbestos is a mineral once used widely in buildings. If disturbed, it can release tiny fibres that can stay in the lungs for many years. Long-term exposure can lead to serious illness, including:

• Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen
• Lung cancer – cancer of the lung tissue
• Asbestosis – scarring of the lungs that causes breathlessness and long-term breathing problems

Australia and New Zealand ban asbestos and any products containing it.