At least 69 schools in Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will shut on Monday after coloured play sand was recalled due to asbestos risk, the government said.

The recall for sand, having traces of asbestos, was called by Kmart and Target on Saturday. Asbestos, which was previously being used widely in building materials, can release toxic fibres into the air if disturbed or processed that can cling to the lungs and over decades cause cancer.

BBC quoted the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) as saying that there was a “low" risk that the asbestos could become airborne or fine enough for inhalation.

In a post on Facebook, ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said inspections are being conducted of the schools and it could “take days". She further said that air testing so f

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