More than 15 schools in Australia and five in New Zealand have been closed, while others have temporarily suspended classes, after asbestos was found in sand used in primary and early-childhood learning environments. Authorities say the risk of the asbestos becoming airborne is low, but its presence still poses a significant health concern. New Zealand’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Employment has advised the public to stop using the affected sand. By 14 November 2025, 15 schools and seven preschools in Australia had been shut down, and six others had partially halted activities as

More than 15 schools in Australia and five in New Zealand have been closed, while others have temporarily suspended classes, after asbestos was found in sand used in primary and early-childhood learning environments. Authorities say the risk of the asbestos becoming airborne is low, but its presence still poses a significant health concern. New Zealand’s Minister for Business, Innovation and Employment has advised the public to stop using the affected sand. By 14 November 2025, 15 schools and seven preschools in Australia had been shut down, and six others had partially halted activities as a precaution. In New Zealand, two schools were closed temporarily as specialists worked to address the contamination. The affected materials include sand and sand-based products used by students, such as rainbow-colored sand commonly used in early-childhood education.

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