This canister was washed up at Broadbeach. Authorities have warned people not to touch them. Pic: Glenn Hampson
TOURISTS have been warned to be cautious of any canisters washing up on Queensland beaches over the Easter holiday period.It comes after several canisters containing the toxic gas aluminium phosphide have washed up on beaches since February last year including on the Gold Coast and Tweed in recent months.
``With the Queensland coastline likely to be a popular attraction this Easter school holiday period, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is reminding people to be aware of silver toxic canisters, which have been washing up along the coast recently,'' the Department of Community Safety said today in a statement.
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service commissioner Lee Johnson urged anyone who comes across one of the canisters to avoid handling it, as ``its contents could present a real and significant danger''.
"QFRS Scientific officers have warned that the canisters could self-ignite if the chemical inside comes into contact with air or moisture, as it could generate a highly toxic phosphine gas," Mr Johnson said.
He described the canisters as being about 30cm high and 15cm in diameter and reminded the public to call triple zero immediately if they came across a canister.
"Do not try to pick it up or open it and keep a safe distance away from it," he said.
"This chemical is highly dangerous and presents significant health risks, even in the hands of trained experts. So it's vital that people are aware of the dangers and heed our warning."
Even mild exposure to aluminium phosphide causes nausea, fatigue and pressure in the chest.
Earlier this month police closed off part of Broadbeach after one of the canisters was found.
Concern has been raised after a member of the public had handled the canister, moving it from the shoreline to under a lifeguard tower, on March 6.
It followed another canister find near the Gold Coast, after local Kevin Bourke found a metal canister washed up near Kingscliff beach on January 4.
After the January find the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said the canisters had likely been lost from a ship.
Aluminium phosphide is often used to fumigate ships.
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