Schools and childcare centres across the country are on red alert over asbestos contamination fears linked to a popular children’s toy.

More than 20 schools and preschools were shut or partially shut in the ACT on Friday and one Brisbane school closed for the day after the consumer watchdog warned tremolite asbestos, which is naturally occurring, was detected in coloured sand products during testing.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Schools close over asbestos sand discovery.

The brightly coloured sand is labelled as Kadink Sand, Educational Colours - Rainbow Sand and Creatistics - Coloured Sand.

The affected products, used for crafts and sensory play, were sold at Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art stores across Australia between 2020 and 2025.

Health risks to chi

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