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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

'Low-level' Metal Traces Prompt Closure of Western Australia Playground

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • A playground in Geraldton, Western Australia, has been temporarily closed due to the detection of low levels of the metal thallium in a sand pit.
  • The closure follows environmental testing prompted by local complaints about increased dust emissions.
  • Authorities are conducting further tests to determine the risk to residents, while lead levels in dust and soil samples were found to be within safe limits.

A popular playground in the Western Australian city of Geraldton has been closed as a precautionary measure after low levels of the metal thallium were detected in its sandpit. The Fraser Gregory Park Playground in the Beachlands suburb was cordoned off following environmental testing initiated due to a rise in dust complaints from local residents.

The city acted very swiftly to cordon that playground off until we find further results.

— Jerry CluneMayor of the City of Greater Geraldton, explaining the immediate closure of the playground.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) conducted the investigation, collecting 40 soil samples from various locations, including homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. The testing was prompted by reports of increased dust blanketing the area, raising concerns about potential health impacts and property damage. Thallium, according to DWER, can be released from certain industrial activities, such as metal and cement manufacturing.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune emphasized the swift action taken to close the playground, stating it reflects the local government's serious approach to the issue. However, he noted that more information is required to fully assess the threat level. "With thallium, I don't know if there is any standard that is acceptable in Australia; we will be seeking some more clarification on that," Clune said, adding that the substance might occur naturally.

With thallium, I don't know if there is any standard that is acceptable in Australia; we will be seeking some more clarification on that.

— Jerry CluneMayor Clune expressing uncertainty about acceptable thallium levels and the need for further information.

While further testing is pending, preliminary results regarding lead levels in the dust and soil samples have provided some reassurance, as they were found to be well within safe limits for human exposure. DWER confirmed that additional testing at the playground site will be conducted under the guidance of the Department of Health. The exact source of the detected thallium remains unclear, and officials are exercising caution until more definitive results are available. The closure comes shortly after the Mid West Port Authority announced the completion of $10 million in infrastructure upgrades, including a dust extraction system aimed at reducing environmental harm.

We are comforted to know that those levels are well and truly within the safe limits.

— Jerry CluneMayor Clune commenting on the preliminary findings regarding lead levels in the dust and soil samples.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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