PRA number
2013/13923
Published date
Product description
Natural and polished crystals
Reasons the product is recalled
Recent testing has detected the presence of chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) in the crystals. The importation of asbestos or goods containing asbestos into Australia is restricted under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Customs Prohibited Import Regulations).
The hazards to consumers
There is a possible risk of consumers accessing the asbestos in these goods. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
What consumers should do
The ACCC commissioned a scientific risk assessment of products found to contain asbestos. That risk assessment concluded that the health risk from the use, handling or disposal of these products was much lower than the risk commonly associated with asbestos in building materials, home renovation or industrial exposure to asbestos.
The risk assessment concluded that accidental disposal of these products via standard garbage collection would present a negligible risk to garbage workers. However, environmental protection laws in all states and territories prohibit the disposal of asbestos via standard garbage collection and these products should therefore be taken to an asbestos disposal facility. Your nearest asbestos disposal facility can be located with the online tool on the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) website (asbestossafety.gov.au/search-disposal-facilities).
Consumers should telephone the asbestos disposal facility before taking the double-bagged crystals to the facility, as disposal costs can vary widely. Consumers should inform the facility that they need to dispose of recalled crystals that contain a very small amount of asbestos. Earth Crystals are offering a refund under the recall of these goods. Consumers can also ask Earth Crystals to reimburse them for any reasonable disposal costs and they should retain receipts for this purpose. Consumers should not send these products in the mail. Consumers can also contact the ACCC if there are queries or concerns about disposal.
The risk assessment concluded that accidental disposal of these products via standard garbage collection would present a negligible risk to garbage workers. However, environmental protection laws in all states and territories prohibit the disposal of asbestos via standard garbage collection and these products should therefore be taken to an asbestos disposal facility. Your nearest asbestos disposal facility can be located with the online tool on the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) website (asbestossafety.gov.au/search-disposal-facilities).
Consumers should telephone the asbestos disposal facility before taking the double-bagged crystals to the facility, as disposal costs can vary widely. Consumers should inform the facility that they need to dispose of recalled crystals that contain a very small amount of asbestos. Earth Crystals are offering a refund under the recall of these goods. Consumers can also ask Earth Crystals to reimburse them for any reasonable disposal costs and they should retain receipts for this purpose. Consumers should not send these products in the mail. Consumers can also contact the ACCC if there are queries or concerns about disposal.
Supplier
Where the product was sold
Queensland
Responsible regulator
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the responsible regulator for this recall.
