More than 70 schools across the ACT will remain closed after some of Australia’s biggest retailers pulled popular play sand off the shelves over fears it may contain asbestos.

At least 15 schools were shuttered on Friday by the ACT Education Directorate after advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

In a national recall, the ACCC found Kadink decorative sand may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos.

The sand is used at some schools for sensory play as well as arts and crafts.

The number of affected schools had widened significantly by Monday, with 72 schools across Canberra and the Jervis Bay areas closed by the department.

An ACT government audit found 69 schools had stocked Kadink decorative sand, while three further schools had small, is

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