Australian schools shut over asbestos risk in children's sand

The Australian regulator has recalled several sand products used by children for play, but says the risk from them is "low".

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A recall notice for the coloured products, which were found to contain traces of tremolite asbestos, was issued by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Wednesday.

The regulator said there was a "low" risk that the asbestos could become airborne or fine enough for inhalation, but it "may still pose a risk".

New Zealand's Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has also urged people to stop using the sand and arrange for safe disposal "through licensed professionals".

On Friday, at least 15 schools and seven preschools in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) - where Canberra is situated - were fully closed, with six others partially closed as a precaution. There are also reports of a school closure in Queensland.