More than 50 Tasmanian public schools are closed or partially closed in response to the Australian consumer watchdog's recall of coloured sand products containing traces of asbestos.

The asbestos that has been found in some coloured sand products is naturally occurring, and advice from officials and experts so far has been that the risk of exposure is low.

Tasmania's education minister, Jo Palmer, said expert advice from an accredited asbestos consultant had been sought, and an audit of 200 sites in 24 hours conducted to identify schools impacted by possible asbestos exposure.

"We felt that we needed to take it a step further, and take a really precautionary measure, despite the fact that we have consistently been told that it is a low-risk situation,"

Ms Palmer said.

"In light of the

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