Poisonous canisters continue to wash up on Far Northern beaches
Quote:
THREE more canisters containing a highly toxic gas have washed up on Far Northern beaches in the past week, prompting authorities to renew warnings to the public.
The silver canisters, found on the shores of Cairns, Innisfail and Mission Beach, contain aluminium phosphide, a colourless, flammable and toxic gas which has the potential to self-ignite.
Police issued a warning last week after four canisters were found along a 200km stretch of coastline between Ayr and Ingham since February.
Exposure to the highly toxic phosphine gas can cause sickness, ringing in the ears, fatigue and chest pains.
Aluminium phosphide is used as a rodenticide, insecticide, and fumigant for stored cereal grains. It is generally sold as a grey-green-yellow powder. Aluminium phosphide reacts with water or acids to release Phosphine, which [as the report says], is a colorless, flammable, toxic gas. (Source, Wikipedia)
found this reply on the news site about it that might explain why.
Quote:
The US State of Washington has has this problem in recent years. Aluminum phosphide is used as an insecticide on freighters that carry grain. It seems that rather than deal with the disposal of the empties, crews are just tossing them overboard.
What are the used for ? seems strange to get them washed up on a beach at Cairns ? 
then whats it doing washing up on Cairns beaches ? something sinister I think ? 
