More than a dozen schools have been closed after traces of asbestos were found in brightly coloured sand designed for children’s play and craft activities.

Supplier Educational Colours issued a recall notice on Wednesday for the sand products, which are sold by retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission said there was concern they may contain tremolite asbestos – which it described as “a naturally occurring asbestos” – after it was detected in some samples after laboratory testing.

“We have engaged with Officeworks, who is a major supplier of these products, and they advised that the products have been removed from sale,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.

“We expect they will take all the nece

See Full Page