The scale of the asbestos school scare has blown out overnight, with the number of affected South Australian sites more than doubling to almost 300.
The surge comes as schools raise concerns over recalled play sand linked to asbestos, prompting removal teams to begin clearing products from classrooms and playgrounds across the state.
The issue centres on batches of imported colourful sand that tested positive for asbestos, prompting urgent inspections at kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and early childhood centres.
The SA Department of Education confirmed licensed contractors were now on-site removing the recalled materials.
“At this time, more than 300 sites have contacted the department either to seek further advice, or to report sand products,” the department said in a statement.
“The department is working closely with SafeWork SA, with the safety of students and staff the highest priority.
“The risk is low, and is being managed in line with national standards and expert advice from SafeWork SA.”
The number of affected sites has surged, climbing from about 130 schools on Monday to about 300 on Tuesday.
A full list of impacted schools is available through the Department of Education’s website.
The SA concerns come as schools across the country face similar recalls.
So far, 74 schools nationwide have been shut for assessment and cleaning, including 72 public schools in the ACT, one independent school in Queensland and another in Tasmania.
Tasmania ordered a further six school closures today due to asbestos fears. No closures have been reported in NSW or Victoria.
Australia isn’t alone in facing the asbestos scare, with schools in New Zealand also reportedly closing after detecting the same products.
The country’s Ministry of Education said about 150 schools and 90 early learning services had contacted them with queries, while some schools had chosen to temporarily close their doors.
The recall covers several bright, child-focused sand products sold at Woolworths, Officeworks, Kmart and Target.
WorkSafe SA advised the products might contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring form of the material.
Customers have been urged to stop using the sand immediately and dispose of it safely.
“Wear disposable gloves and a mask and either return in the original tub or place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” the recall notice said.
Australia has banned the importation and use of asbestos since 2003.
