Toxic canister warning for NSW coastal communities
Published: 5th February 2013
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is urging residents along the NSW coast to avoid handling silver canisters or containers washed up on beaches following the recent storms and to immediately call Triple Zero (000) to report them to authorities.
The warning comes after a Batemans Bay resident found a container, suspected to contain a highly toxic poison, on a beach yesterday.
FRNSW and the Queanbeyan Environment Protection Authority were advised of the discovery and have removed the container.
It is believed the contents of the canister could be aluminium phosphide which is potentially fatal if inhaled or ingested.
This is a highly restricted toxic substance and a very dangerous poison.
It's possible that the container may have come from a passing ship and washed up on the coastline. Similar discoveries have also been reported to Queensland authorities.
Should any member of the public come across any more of these canisters, report it immediately. Do not try to inspect, open or transport it and ensure you stand well away from it.
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