Why Are Over 70 Australian Schools Closing Due to Asbestos Contamination?
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Synopsis
In a startling development, more than 70 schools in Canberra are facing closure due to concerns over asbestos contamination in decorative sand products. This situation has prompted swift action from authorities to ensure the safety of students and staff. Discover the implications of this issue and the measures being taken to address it.
Key Takeaways
- 71 schools in Canberra are closed due to asbestos concerns.
- Authorities are conducting audits and mapping contaminated sand.
- The health risk is deemed low but closures may last several days.
- The ACCC has recalled certain decorative sand products.
- Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health issues.
Canberra, Nov 17 (NationPress) Over 70 educational institutions in the Australian capital of Canberra were instructed to close on Monday amid rising worries regarding potential asbestos contamination stemming from decorative sand products. The government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) reported that 71 out of 94 public schools in Canberra and nearby areas would be shuttered following an audit that revealed extensive use of sand products containing detectable levels of asbestos.
This decision follows the partial or full closure of 24 ACT schools and preschools on Friday, with two reopening on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a recall for a specific type of decorative colorful sand after laboratory tests indicated the presence of chrysotile asbestos.
Subsequently, on Sunday, the ACCC disclosed that asbestos had been found in four additional sand products, posing potential risks to public health.
ACT's education minister Yvette Berry informed the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio that while the health risk to students and staff is minimal, closures might extend for several days.
She noted that education personnel, building service officers, and volunteers dedicated the weekend to identifying and mapping the sand within schools to enable safe removal by assessors.
The ACCC confirmed on Sunday that respirable asbestos has not been found in any of the examined samples and is deemed unlikely to be released unless the sand is mechanically crushed or pulverized, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The World Health Organization states that asbestos comprises a group of mineral fibers with extensive historical and current commercial applications, but can lead to fatalities and severe health issues for those exposed (over 200,000 deaths worldwide annually, along with significant health burdens).
All asbestos forms have been classified by WHO as carcinogenic and can also induce chronic respiratory diseases. Due to its incorporation in construction materials, individuals involved in building, maintenance, and demolition work where asbestos was utilized remain at risk, even many years after its installation.
Point of View
I emphasize the urgency of addressing health risks related to asbestos in schools. This situation highlights the need for rigorous safety audits and transparency from authorities to ensure the well-being of students and staff. We must prioritize public health while maintaining educational integrity.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the closure of schools in Canberra?
The closure of schools in Canberra was prompted by concerns over potential asbestos contamination detected in decorative sand products used in schools.
How many schools are affected by the closure?
A total of 71 out of 94 public schools in Canberra and surrounding suburbs are affected by the closure.
What actions are being taken to address the contamination?
Authorities are mapping and identifying the contaminated sand to ensure safe removal by qualified assessors.
Is there a health risk associated with the contamination?
While the health risk to students and staff is currently considered small, the closures are a precautionary measure.
What guidance has the ACCC provided regarding the sand products?
The ACCC has issued a recall notice for specific decorative sand products after detecting chrysotile asbestos.
