Schools have been urgently closed across Canberra and Brisbane after decorative sand was found to contain traces of asbestos by the consumer watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued a nationwise recall on Kadink Decorative Sand after it was found to contain traces of chrysotile asbestos.

The sand, sold at Officeworks and Woolworths, among other smaller crafts and educational supply stores, is available nationwide and batches from January 1 2020 to October 31 2025 are affected.

It is used at some schools for sensory play, as well as arts and crafts.

By the start of school on Friday, 15 public schools in Canberra had been completely closed and a further five schools partially closed across the city.

At least three preschools had also been shuttered.

Mancel Co

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