Play sand asbestos recall: Dozens of ACT schools to close in response to recall

Dozens of schools will close across the ACT today as the response to recalls of popular play sand that may contain asbestos products widens.

The sand has also been found in dozens of schools in South Australia, where some classrooms will be closed for cleaning while warnings for parents and product recalls remain in place across the rest of the country.

After the recalls widened to include products sold at Kmart and Target, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry announced yesterday afternoon that most of the territory's schools would be closed today.

Last night, the government said it had started auditing all public schools for the affected products, listing 71 that would be closed, with just 23 opening.

The announcement followed more closures on Friday.

Berry sai