Multiple ACT schools shut after alert over asbestos in coloured sand products

Testing and remediation to take place in 15 schools after a consumer safety recall was issued for coloured sand used in sensory play and arts and craftsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMore than a dozen primary and preschools in the ACT have shut their doors, and a special school in Brisbane has made a snap closure, after an asbestos warning was issued for a range of colourful children’s sand products imported from China and sold at leading Australian retailers.On Friday , the ACT’s education minister, Yvette Berry, confirmed 15 schools and seven preschools would be fully closed, up from three earlier in the morning. Six schools would be partially closed to multiple cohorts while testing and remediation took place. Continue reading…