PRA number
2013/13871
Published date
Product description
The product is a novelty "fire wallet" that has a secret compartment with fire pads that are soaked with lighter fluid. The fire pads are ignited with a flint striker when the user opens the wallet.
Reasons the product is recalled
Recent testing has detected the presence of chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) in the fire pads of the wallet. The importation of asbestos or goods containing asbestos into Australia is prohibited 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 the recalled fire wallets 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 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 fire wallets to the facility, as disposal costs can vary widely. Consumers should inform the facility that they need to dispose of a recalled fire wallet that contains a very small amount of asbestos. Rapid Fire Magic are offering a refund under the recall of these goods. Consumers can also ask Rapid Fire Magic to reimburse them with 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 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 fire wallets to the facility, as disposal costs can vary widely. Consumers should inform the facility that they need to dispose of a recalled fire wallet that contains a very small amount of asbestos. Rapid Fire Magic are offering a refund under the recall of these goods. Consumers can also ask Rapid Fire Magic to reimburse them with 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
Rapid Fire Magic
Traders who sold this product
Rapid Fire Magic - sold exclusively at the Royal Melbourne Show
Where the product was sold
Victoria
Dates available for sale
-
Responsible regulator
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is the responsible regulator for this recall.
