Australia: About 70 schools to close due to asbestos risk in sand

The government of the Australian capital Canberra announced that 69 schools will be closed after colored play sand was withdrawn from sale due to the presence of asbestos.

The product recall was carried out by Kmart and Target, and air tests have so far shown no presence of asbestos in the schools, the BBC reported.

Australian Education Minister Yvette Berry said the risk was minimal, but the government must eliminate any danger as much as possible.

Just over 20 schools will remain open because they have little or no sand supplies.

Asbestos, once used in construction, when damaged or processed, releases toxic fibers that can remain in the lungs and cause cancer over the years.

The import and export of asbestos to Australia and New Zealand is prohibited.

The government of the Australian capital Canberra announced that 69 schools will be closed after colored play sand was withdrawn from sale due to the presence of asbestos.

The product recall was carried out by Kmart and Target, and air tests have so far shown no presence of asbestos in the schools, the BBC reported.

Australian Education Minister Yvette Berry said the risk was minimal, but the government must eliminate any danger as much as possible.

Just over 20 schools will remain open because they have little or no sand supplies.

Asbestos, once used in construction, when damaged or processed, releases toxic fibers that can remain in the lungs and cause cancer over the years.

The import and export of asbestos to Australia and New Zealand is prohibited.