A cancer specialist explains why parents should not be too worried about coloured sand recalls

Schools have been shut in the Australian Capital Territory after children’s play sand was recalled due to asbestos fears.

Almost all Canberra primary schools were closed on Monday, with Education Minister Yvette Berry conceding it could take “days” for schools to be declared safe to open again.

The sand has also been used in schools in other states and territories and has been sold nationwide by major retailers. I am a cancer specialist and researcher into asbestos related diseases, should parents be worried?

Coloured sand recall

Last week, the Australian consumer watchdog recalled several types of coloured sand, which children use for art and craft activities or sensory play.

This was because tremolite asbestos (a naturally occurring form of asbestos) had been “detected in some samples after laboratory testing”.

Worksafe ACT says it has also found traces of chrysotile (another type of asbestos) in one product, Kadink decorative sand. It says “the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low”.

All the products came from China and were sold by a wide range of retailers, including Woolworths and Officeworks, between 2020 and 2025.

Read more: Asbestos has been found in children's coloured sand. What's the risk to kids?

How worried should parents be?

People should not be overly worried about this as the risk for children and families is going to be very small. The odds of developing an asbestos-related disease from any exposure in this particular scenario are very low.

Our understanding is the asbestos in the sand is not respirable (able to be breathed in) in its current form. Significant mechanical processes (crushing/pulverising) would be required for release of the fibres.

In routine play, the risk of this happening is low.

Why are authorities concerned then?

We still need to make sure these products are adequately and safely removed.

Australia has a long history of asbestos use and deaths and illness related to exposure. About 4,500 Australians die per year from asbestos-related diseases. These deaths happen many years after exposure. For example, lung cancers occur 20–30 years after exposure. Mesothelioma occurs 30–50 years after exposure.

So we can’t be complacent and want to be able to reduce any risks of the exposure to any member of the population – especially children.

When asbestos is removed from homes during a renovation, expert removalists come in with full body coverings, including gloves and masks. Even though the risk is low, the process should be the same for schools.

What should you do if you have coloured sand at home?

If you’ve got these products at home, put unopened containers in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape them. Then take them to somewhere that accepts asbestos waste. Do not just throw it in the kitchen or curbside bin.

If there is loose sand, wipe it away with a wet cloth while wearing protective clothing and masks – and then follow the same procedure with heavy-duty plastic bags and tape. If you have any doubts, consult an asbestos removal specialist for further support.

Worksafe ACT has more detailed instructions on disposal here. So does Australia’s asbestos eradication agency.

I’m worried my family has been exposed

Unfortunately, there is no test to determine your disease risk if you have been exposed to asbestos. This means there may be little value in going to your GP.

But we can be reassured by the statements made by authorities so far, and do not expect significant danger to families and other groups exposed to this product at this time.

A timely warning

Australia banned asbestos more than 20 years ago. But there are still countries who mine this deadly substance.

Read more: From a 'magic mineral' to the stuff of nightmares: a 6,700-year history of asbestos

So we need to make sure it does not come across our borders. In 2015, trace elements of asbestos were found in children’s crayons, for example.

We also still have it in our community – asbestos is in about one-third of our houses. It is also in our schools and hospitals because it used to be a standard building material.

Coincidentally, next week is asbestos awareness week. This is a reminder of why we all have to be vigilant about asbestos and continue our efforts to remove it from our community.