Asbestos Scare Expands as Over 350 South Australian Schools Detect Recalled Coloured Sand

South Australia’s education sector is facing heightened concern as more than 350 public schools and preschools have now reported coloured sand products linked to a national asbestos contamination scare. While two Catholic schools in Adelaide have temporarily closed for deep cleaning, public authorities maintain that there is no immediate need for widespread closures.

The South Australian Education Department confirmed that at least 140 sites had discovered “loose” sand, though removal operations are already underway. Many other sites have reported finding the sand stored securely in bags or pots, minimising risk.

Chief Executive Martin Westwell explained that asbestos-removal contractors had been deployed to locations where loose sand was exposed on walls, classroom artwork, or tables. He emphasised that the overall risk to students and staff remains “incredibly low,” stating that school closures would occur only if health risks increased.

The situation follows a national recall issued by the ACCC, after laboratory tests detected traces of asbestos within several coloured sand products used commonly for art and play. Authorities noted that the high number of affected locations reflects the widespread popularity of these products.

Meanwhile, Catholic Education has temporarily closed Our Lady of La Vang Special School and St Patrick’s Special School, relocating students while deep cleaning takes place. Education Minister Blair Boyer said that the closures were necessary due to the complexity of special school environments and limited relocation spaces.

Although some states—including the ACT—have opted for broader school shutdowns, South Australian officials believe local conditions differ. Even so, the department has not ruled out the possibility of removing all coloured sand products, regardless of brand, as investigations continue.