Story perspectives

71 ACT Schools Close Amid Asbestos Recall Crisis

11/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Seventy-one ACT schools closed on Monday after an asbestos scare linked to coloured sand products.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a recall after finding chrysotile asbestos in products from Kmart and Target.
The ACT Education Directorate said the recalled items were used more widely than expected, prompting further closures.
Over 100 sites in South Australia have been identified with the contaminated sand, but no schools there have closed.

History

Historical Context

Australia banned all forms of asbestos on December 31, 2003, after decades of health crises linked to its use, particularly in construction. Over 700,000 Australians suffer from asbestos-related diseases, with the town of Wittenoom notorious for its mining history. The recent discovery of asbestos in ACT schools highlights ongoing public health challenges and the need for stricter safety regulations to protect communities.

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Story summary

Seventy-one ACT schools closed on Monday after an asbestos scare linked to coloured sand products.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a recall after finding chrysotile asbestos in products from Kmart and Target.
The ACT Education Directorate said the recalled items were used more widely than expected, prompting further closures.
Over 100 sites in South Australia have been identified with the contaminated sand, but no schools there have closed.

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