The Queensland Police Service is urging north Queensland beachgoers to avoid handling silver canisters washed up on beaches and to immediately call Triple Zero (000) to report them to authorities.

The canisters contain a deadly chemical used to fumigate ships and it’s assumed the canisters came from a passing vessel.

Cairns District Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Cary Coolican said scientific examination of four canisters found along a 200 kilometre stretch of coastline from Ayr to Ingham, since February this year, revealed the product inside was Aluminium Phosphide, which could be fatal if inhaled or ingested.

“This is a highly restricted toxic substance and indeed a very dangerous poison. For safety’s sake, if you come across one of these canisters, report it immediately. Do not try to inspect, open or transport it and ensure you stand well away from it.”

Police warned people not to go anywhere near a small silver canister if they find one on a beach.”

Heidi Taylor from marine conservation group Tangaroa Blue said the warning should be heeded in the Douglas region as it is not yet know just how far some of these canisters may be carried by currents.