Canberra: More than 70 public schools across the Australian Capital Territory were closed on Monday after authorities raised concerns that children’s play sand used on school grounds may contain asbestos. The precautionary shutdown affected thousands of students and staff, marking one of the largest school closures in the territory in recent years.

The issue emerged after routine product testing linked several brands of coloured play and sensory sand to traces of asbestos. The products, sold at major retailers including Kmart and Target, were recently recalled nationwide. Laboratory tests detected tremolite and, in some samples, chrysotile asbestos.

ACT officials said the risk to students is considered low because the sand does not easily release fibres into the air unless it is crushed or heavily disturbed.

However, the territory’s strict workplace safety laws require an immediate response when asbestos is suspected on school grounds. As a result, schools were closed so licensed inspectors could assess and remove any contaminated material.

Education authorities said 69 schools were identified as having stocked the sand, while several others had small quantities stored in classrooms or activity areas. Twenty schools were not affected.

Parents were told the closures were a precaution and not a sign of active exposure. Many welcomed the clear action, though some expressed concern about how long inspections and cleaning might take.

The situation has widened beyond the ACT. South Australia has identified about 139 school and childcare sites where the sand may have been used. In Queensland, one independent school closed after confirming the presence of the recalled product. New Zealand schools are also checking their supplies after similar recalls there.

Health experts emphasised that while the risk is low, asbestos should never be handled without care. Investigations are now underway to trace how contaminated sand entered the Australian market, as the products were imported from overseas manufacturers.

ACT authorities said schools will reopen only after full clearance is given by qualified asbestos assessors. For many families, the hope is that the disruption will be brief, but the priority remains ensuring that school environments are safe before children return.