Australia closes school over suspected asbestos contamination

The Australian Department of Education said a total of 71 schools had been temporarily closed to ensure the safety of students and staff, while inspections and remediation were underway.

Laboratory tests have shown that the decorative sand used in playgrounds contains white asbestos, a natural mineral fiber that was once popular in the construction industry due to its high heat resistance.

Although it has been banned from many areas, asbestos still poses a major public health concern. Numerous scientific studies have shown a clear link between long-term exposure to chrysotile asbestos and the risk of lung cancer and respiratory diseases.

Ministry of Education officials stressed that the decision to close was made to comply with legal obligations and ensure the maximum level of safety for students, staff and the community. Cleaning, infection assessment and material replacement will be carried out in a coordinated manner before schools can reopen.

However, the Australian Product Safety Authority said the current risk of exposure was considered low. To date, tests have not detected airborne asbestos, the most dangerous form that can enter the lungs when inhaled. Although the risk of asbestos fibers being released into the air or reaching a size small enough to be inhaled is “very low”, prevention remains the government’s top priority.

According to The Straits Times

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