Snap closure of schools after asbestos found in recalled coloured sand

ABC NEWS (Australia)

At least 16 public schools were closed in Canberra today because of concerns over asbestos contamination. Other schools have been affected in Brisbane too. A recall has been issued for a decorative coloured sand used at the schools which has been found to contain traces of asbestos.

Transcript

00:00I'm standing outside one of the schools in the ACT that has been closed today because

00:07of potential asbestos exposure. The risk relates to the use of a decorative coloured sand which

00:13has been found this week to contain traces of a type of naturally occurring asbestos.

00:18Some schools like Black Mountain School where I am have been fully closed today in Canberra.

00:23Others only have partial closures. Now the sand has been used in these schools for sensory

00:28play and arts and craft. The risk of exposure is described as low but the Education Directorate

00:35here in the ACT says the decision has been made because safety is their highest priority.

00:41In order to isolate the site and maintain business can often be challenging in a school-based

00:48environment and the nature of young children who are often the people that are engaging

00:53with this particular product. These decisions aren't taken lightly.

00:57We know that this is a disruption to the community and so when we do need to make those decisions

01:04it is based on the information through our risk assessments that inform that.

01:08Now the sand has been sold across the country at a number of retailers.

01:12We have heard from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

01:16Now they have issued a national recall for the products.

01:20We have also heard from the Federal Assistant Minister for Health today. Here's what she had to say.

01:25It's obviously very concerning that we're seeing this product recalled and some jurisdictions have acted quickly

01:30like the ACT. It's up to jurisdictions along with their regulatory and safety bodies to make decisions

01:35about what's in the best interest for them and what the level of risk is.

01:39Along with the ACCC I'm sure jurisdictions will be looking closely at that today.

01:43Now other states and territories have also responded.

01:47They're taking action to ensure the sand is removed from any schools where it is present there.

01:52But it does appear that the ACT is the only jurisdiction so far to close a significant number of schools.

01:59When it comes to those schools reopening the government says that they'll have more to say over the weekend

02:05but the hope is that they will reopen as normal on Monday morning.

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