Traces of asbestos have been discovered in imported colorful “kinetic” sand, a popular play material, used in kindergartens, primary and high schools, as well as early childhood centers across the state.

The South Australian Department of Education has initiated the removal of these recalled sand products by engaging licensed asbestos abatement professionals to handle the situation in educational venues.

“Currently, over 300 locations have reached out to the department for guidance or to report the presence of these sand products,” the department revealed in an official statement.

“We are collaborating closely with SafeWork SA to ensure the utmost safety of our students and staff,” the department emphasized.

“Although the risk is minimal, we are managing it in accordance with national safety standards and the expert advice provided by SafeWork SA.”

Yesterday afternoon, only 130 schools were reported to have recalled sand on-site.

Across the country, 74 schools have so far been closed for assessment and cleaning.

This includes 72 public schools in the ACT, one independent school in Queensland, another independent school in Tasmania.

A further six Tasmanian schools were shut today over asbestos fears.

No schools were listed as closed in NSW or Victoria.

A range of the brightly coloured children’s sand products have been recalled due to asbestos fears.

Products have so far been recalled from Woolworths, Officeworks, Kmart and Target.

The products were recalled because they may contain tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, according to WorkSafe SA.

Customers have been told to stop using the products immediately and safely dispose of them.

“Wear disposable gloves and a mask and either return in the original tub or place the sand in a heavy-duty plastic bag and double tape it securely and keep it out of reach of children,” the recall notice said.

There has been a ban and import prohibition for asbestos in Australia since 2003.