{"id":107430,"date":"2025-11-17T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-16T20:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/au\/?p=107430"},"modified":"2025-11-16T22:19:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-16T11:19:55","slug":"schools-close-amid-alarming-asbestos-find","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/au\/schools-close-amid-alarming-asbestos-find\/","title":{"rendered":"Thousands of Students Affected: Schools Close Amid Alarming Asbestos Find"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a stunning turn of events, nearly 70 schools in Canberra will be shut on Monday due to a recall of coloured sand products linked to asbestos contamination. The recall, initially affecting just a few schools, now has broader consequences as more products have been flagged by Kmart and Target. It’s a blow for families already struggling with disruptions, but safety is the top priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Recall and Growing Concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The situation began earlier this week when the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall for coloured sand products after traces of asbestos were found during routine testing. Initially, 16 schools and six preschools were closed, and eight others partially shut down as a precaution. But the discovery of additional contaminated products meant that more schools had to be added to the list. The ACT Education Directorate, after assessing the situation, confirmed that 69 schools would remain closed on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Education Minister Yvette Berry, in a press statement, said to ABC<\/a>, \u201cUnfortunately, the newly recalled products were used more widely than the original ones. That means we\u2019re in a position where we have to extend the closures. It\u2019s frustrating, but necessary.<\/em>\u201d The recall, which initially seemed like a manageable issue, snowballed into a significant headache for the region\u2019s education system. Families and staff are being kept in the loop via emails, though it\u2019s likely that many are feeling overwhelmed by the constant updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Schools\"
The logo of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Which Schools Are Affected?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Among the schools affected are many well-known institutions such as Ainslie School, Amaroo School, and Black Mountain School. While the closures may feel like an overreaction to some, officials stress that the contamination risk, though low, cannot be taken lightly. \u201cWe\u2019ve been doing air tests across impacted schools, and thankfully, no airborne asbestos has been detected,<\/em>\u201d Minister Berry reassured. \u201cBut when it comes to something as dangerous as asbestos, we have to act swiftly.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Hundreds of Queensland students may have been exposed to sand, which could have traces of asbestos. At least one school has been forced to close. But, many others have had to quarantine classrooms after a product recall emergency. @annamcgraw_7<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/4IxN1lZoFD<\/a><\/p>— 7NEWS Queensland (@7NewsBrisbane) November 14, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>