The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the number of schools and early learning services seeking support over possible asbestos contamination has doubled within a day. Seven centres have now closed as a precaution while specialists assess and remediate affected areas.

Five early learning services and two schools have temporarily shut to allow licensed asbestos removalists to investigate potential contamination linked to recalled coloured play sands.

As of yesterday 72 early learning services and 55 schools and kura had contacted the Ministry. More than half reported having one of the recalled brands on-site. Officials acknowledged that the possibility of asbestos in products used by children is causing significant concern for parents and caregivers. Families with health worries have been advised to contact Healthline for guidance.

Source of the concerns

The issue centres on two popular classroom craft products: Creatistics Coloured Sand and Educational Colours Rainbow Sand. Laboratory testing detected tremolite, a hazardous form of amphibole asbestos, in samples of the sand. Similar contamination has also been identified in Australia.

MBIE advised that New Zealand testing is ongoing, but asked schools, centres, and the public to stop using the products immediately, secure them in sealed containers, and arrange disposal through licensed asbestos professionals. The sand has been sold through multiple retail and education suppliers, including Paper Plus, NZ School Shop, Office Products Depot, Qizzle, Modern Teaching Aids, Creative Classrooms, ACME Supplies, and online platforms.

Schools and centres taking swift action

Dozens of schools and early learning services contacted the Ministry within hours of the notice becoming public. Officials are working with each site to confirm whether the sand present matches the recalled products and whether it was used in classrooms or remains sealed in storage.

Schools have been told to remove all containers of the sand from student areas, secure untouched product, and immediately block off any space where the sand has been used. They have also been instructed not to vacuum or sweep potentially contaminated rooms and to seek urgent advice from licensed asbestos assessors.

The situation has already led to multiple closures. Kapakapanui School in Waikanae removed sand from its junior block after notification and shifted six classes into alternative learning spaces including the school hall, library, and outdoor areas. The school is awaiting laboratory results after asbestos specialists took samples.

The Auckland Kindergarten Association reported that most of its 112 centres had no coloured sand products on-site. However, two kindergartens have temporarily closed for specialist assessment, while four others had small amounts of product removed by professionals. The Association expects affected centres to reopen early next week.

Why tremolite asbestos is a concern

WorkSafe has advised that tremolite is part of the amphibole family of asbestos minerals, which have long, needle-like fibres. Research links exposure to these forms of asbestos with higher risks of cancer compared with lower-risk serpentine forms. Amphibole asbestos has been associated with mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural disease, asbestosis, and severe autoimmune conditions.

Asbestos removal companies across the country have been notified and are preparing remediation plans pending further technical direction.

Guidance for parents

For households with the recalled sand, the recommended steps are:

• Immediately stop use
• Place the product in a sealed, secure container
• Avoid cleaning up loose particles
• Do not dispose of it in household rubbish
• Arrange safe disposal through a Class A licensed asbestos removalist
• Contact the retailer for a refund once the product is safely stored

Parents who believe their children may have been exposed are encouraged to contact Healthline for health advice.

Guidance for schools and ECEs

Education providers are instructed to:

• Secure any unused sand in sealed containers
• Evacuate and block off classrooms or spaces where the sand has been used
• Avoid vacuuming or sweeping
• Contact a licensed asbestos assessor for immediate support
• Report the situation and actions taken to the Ministry of Education
• Keep affected areas closed until contamination levels are confirmed and specialist remediation has occurred

Situation still developing

The Ministry expects the total number of affected schools and early learning services to continue rising while investigations continue. A clearer national picture is expected early next week once product verification, testing, and site assessments are completed.

Officials emphasise that schools and early learning centres are acting quickly and cautiously, and that the priority remains the safety and wellbeing of children, staff, and families.