Fears students may have been exposed to asbestos have triggered the sudden closure of schools and preschools across Australia.

Some 23 schools and preschools were shut or partially shut in the ACT on Friday, while one Brisbane school closed for the day after the consumer watchdog warned a coloured sand may contain asbestos traces.

Health risks to children are low after initial air tests at eight ACT schools came back negative for asbestos but results of other forms of testing are not yet known, the territory's WorkSafe commissioner Jacqueline Agius said.

ACT authorities want all schools to re-open on Monday and parents will be notified of a decision on Sunday afternoon or evening, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said.

"Our first priority is the safety of our schools and students, a

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