SYDNEY (Reuters) – Sydney beaches reopened to swimmers on Saturday after authorities removed thousands of black balls of pollution washed ashore, with tests showing they consisted of chemicals similar to those found in cosmetics and cleaning products.
About 2,000 mysterious black balls, some the size of golf balls, have washed up on Sydney beaches since Tuesday, forcing the closure of eight beaches, including the iconic Bondi Beach, and a massive clean-up amid fears they are highly toxic. .
“Based on advice from the Environment Protection Authority, we can now confirm that the balls consist of fatty acids, chemicals equivalent to those found in cleaning and beauty products, mixed with a small amount of fuel oil,” said Mark Hutchings, executive director of shipping in New South Wales in a statement.
He added that the balls, which continued to appear in smaller numbers on Friday, are not harmful to health when left on the sand, but should not be touched.
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority said laboratory tests were underway to determine where the bullets came from.
“It is still a mystery and it may take several more days to determine the origin,” said EPA Executive Director Stephen Beaman.
Sydney’s ocean beaches, famous for their golden sand and clear water, attract tourists from all over the world.
