New Delhi, November 17 (IANS). In New Zealand and Australia, many schools had to be closed suddenly after a dangerous substance was found in the colored sand where children played. This matter came to light when investigation revealed that some colored sand packets contained a harmful element called asbestos. Asbestos is a fiber that can become airborne and enter the lungs and cause harm in the long run. Therefore, vigilance regarding this was immediately increased in schools.
After this matter came to light in New Zealand on 13 November, immediate action was taken. So on November 17, schools in Australia showed readiness regarding this.
More than 200 schools and child care centers across New Zealand have sought advice from the Ministry of Education. This danger first became visible when some products were tested and tremolite asbestos was found in them. This chemical was accidentally mixed while coloring the sand. As soon as this report came, New Zealand’s security agencies instructed schools and children’s centers wherever this colored sand was being used, to immediately close it and seal the place.
Meanwhile, 25 public schools in the Australian Capital Territory were announced to be closed on Tuesday and nine Tasmanian Catholic schools will fully or partially close their doors to students over concerns that children’s play sand products may contain asbestos. More than 70 schools in the region were closed on Monday after asbestos was found in some samples of colored play sand. An audit found the product was being used “widely” in ACT government schools.
On 13 November 2025, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission initiated a national recall of certain brands of colored sand.
Some schools sent children home as a precaution and schools were temporarily closed. Experts were called so that they could take sand samples and test them. More than a dozen primary and preschools in the ACT were also fully or partially closed last week.
In New Zealand, the authorities even said that do not try to remove this sand yourself – neither sweep nor vacuum – because it can spread asbestos particles into the air. Instead, trained experts will handle it safely.
Some shops and brands have also announced recalls of their products. Many packets are being removed from the market so that no other school or home is put at risk. The administration says that no serious symptoms have been found in any child so far, but closing the school and removing the sand was a necessary step as a precaution.
This incident is being considered serious because colored sand is often used in art-class, sports and science activities of young children. Parents and schools are now waiting for reports to clear up and to find out how many products are affected. Security agencies have said that all institutions should stop using colored sand until further information comes.
The New Zealand government is now trying to understand how this contaminated sand reached the country. Is this a mistake during import or manufacturing? Experts believe that such incidents show that the inspection of goods used by children should be more strict.
Schools are currently closed, investigation is ongoing, and parents have been advised that if there is any colored sand packet in their house, then immediately close it and keep it in a safe place and inform the local authorities about it.
This matter is even more serious because there is a ban on import/export of asbestos in both the countries.
–IANS
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