Nearly 70 schools to close in Australia over fears of asbestos in play sand

Dozens of schools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will be closed on Monday following a recall of coloured play sand, which authorities have warned poses an asbestos risk.

A comprehensive audit is under way as the use of the product "is widespread across ACT public schools," the government has said. Store chains Kmart and Target have issued a voluntary recall for one of their sand products, after asbestos was detected in some samples.

A total of 69 ACT schools have been identified as stocking this brand of sand, and will be closed on Monday, while 23 schools will remain open. Of the open schools, three have "small stocks" of the sand, but "these are isolated and not impacting learning," while the remaining 20 do not have this or any craft sand products, according to the government.

"In line with our regulatory obligations, and in the interest of the safety of our students, staff and community, we have decided to close some schools that have this product to allow for assessment, clean-up, and remediation to occur," the government said. The announcement follows previous closures of ACT public schools on Friday and national advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regarding a different decorative coloured sand, Kadink Decorative Sand, also used in schools.

The government said this sand was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos. The recall is "a precautionary action based on preliminary results, and more comprehensive scientific testing is under way," the government said.

Read more from Sky News:UK temperatures could fall to -7C as cold snap follows stormUK not investing in Brazil rainforest fund it helped design "Regulatory authorities are taking a precautionary approach to minimise any potential risk. This includes advice to stop using any identified products and to follow recall and disposal instructions," the government said.

"Based on currently available information, the risk to human health from exposure to these products is assessed as low," it said, adding it does not recommend "any clinical assessment for those who may have been in contact with this product". Yvette Berry, the Deputy Chief Minister and Labor member for the district of Ginninderra, north of Canberra, said on Sunday afternoon that authorities continue to assess the situation.

"I know that this has been worrying for our families and staff," Ms Berry said in a post on Facebook, adding that "based on currently available information, the risk to human health from exposure to these products is assessed as low." "Thank you to our community - we appreciate your patience and your understanding.".