Urgent decontamination under way as asbestos-tainted sand recalled from NT schools

Education officials have launched an urgent classroom clean-up after discovering asbestos-tainted play sand in dozens of Northern Territory schools. SEE THE FULL LIST

Fia Walsh

@fiawalsh

2 min read

November 14, 2025 - 6:40PM

NT WorkSafe executive director Grant Hastie, NT Department of Education and Training CEO Susan Bowden, and Deputy CE Paul Van Holsteyn. At least 41 NT schools have been impacted by a national recall on play sand found to contain asbestos. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

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At least 41 Northern Territory schools have confirmed they are impacted by a national recall on coloured play sand found to contain asbestos, with that number expected to grow.

While NT WorkSafe has identified the risk as low, the education department advised staff not to touch any of the opened products and has urgently organised cleaners to decontaminate affected classrooms.

As of Friday afternoon, no NT public schools will shut due to the recall, however any classrooms still to be cleaned by Monday morning will be isolated if required.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued a nationwide recall on Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours – Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics – Coloured Sand (1kg).

The products were recalled because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, which was detected in some samples after laboratory testing.

The sand, sold at Officeworks, Woolworths, and other craft and educational supply stores, is used at schools across the nation for sensory play as well as arts and crafts.

Batches from January 1, 2020 to October 31, 2025 were affected.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a nationwide recall on Kadink Decorative Sand after it was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos. The sand, sold at Officeworks, is available nationwide and batches from January 1 2020 to October 31 2025 are affected. It is used at some schools for sensory play, as well as arts and crafts.

NT Education Department chief executive Susan Bowden said it was an “anxious” time for parents and staff, and that was why the department was taking a “cautious approach”.

“The safety of our schools is our highest priority,” she said.

“There is information that’s going home to families today so that parents are aware, and there might be some families that even have this product in their own home.

“If the containers have been opened, then we’re saying to schools, leave it where it is, don’t try to sweep it up, remove it, or clean it up yourself. Just cordon off the area, isolate the area, and we’ll get the professional asbestos cleaners in to clean up.”

NT WorkSafe executive director Grant Hastie said while any asbestos posed risks, the ACCC had not found any respirable asbestos in the sand.

“It’s different to mechanically created dust, which is in the air and increases the risk for people,” Mr Hastie said.

“The risk is relatively low, and that gives us some comfort, but we can’t guarantee no exposure to anyone that handles it.”

Mr Hastie said the regulator was working with schools to ensure student and staff exposure was minimised.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a nationwide recall of play sand.

Meanwhile ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said the commission was in contact with suppliers, and expected all to provide appropriate advice to consumers for any queries and refunds.

“We urge customers who own any of the products to stop using them immediately and place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” Ms Lowe said.

“When doing so, in an abundance of caution, customers should take precautions such as a wearing disposable gloves and a mask.”

Customers were urged not to dispose of the product in general waste, and instead find a local asbestos disposal facility at The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website.