Beaches in Sydney have reopened for swimmers after officials removed thousands of black pollution balls that had washed ashore. Testing revealed these balls were made from chemicals similar to those found in cosmetics and cleaning products.
Approximately 2,000 of these mysterious black balls, some the size of golf balls, appeared on Sydney’s beaches since Tuesday, leading to the closure of eight beaches, including the renowned Bondi Beach, and initiating a significant clean-up operation due to concerns over their toxicity.
“Following guidance from the Environment Protection Authority, we can now confirm that the balls consist of fatty acids, which are chemicals typically found in cleaning and cosmetic products, mixed with a small amount of fuel oil,” stated Mark Hutchings, New South Wales Maritime Executive Director.
While the balls that continued to appear yesterday are fewer in number and pose no health risk when left on the sand, touching them is still advised against, he added.
“Their origin remains somewhat of a mystery, and we may need a few more days to ascertain it,” remarked EPA Executive Director Stephen Beaman.
Sydney’s ocean beaches, celebrated for their golden sand and pristine waters, attract tourists from around the world.
