25 February 2014

Risk assessment into ‘fire wallets’ released

An investigation into the asbestos risk of ‘fire wallets’ sold by an eBay trader and at a stall at last year’s Royal Melbourne Show has found handling the items poses a negligible health risk.

The risk assessment by the ACCC follows a product safety warning notice issued by the Federal Government last year after it was found some ‘fire wallets’ contained asbestos.

As part of the ACCC’s investigation it found most ‘fire wallet’ products didn’t contain asbestos, however chrysotile asbestos was detected in products from three suppliers.

Those three suppliers have recalled the affected fire wallets from consumers.

The ACCC continues to work with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to ensure future imports of these products are asbestos free.

Anyone who has concerns over the safety of any product should contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502 Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 8pm.

The Notice announcing the results of the ACCC’s investigation can be read in full via www.productsafety.gov.au.

Details of the recall from the three suppliers can be found via www.recalls.gov.au.