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Toxic metal thallium closes Geraldton playground
A small amount of thallium, more poisonous than mercury or lead, was found in the soft fall at Fraser Gregory Park.
Thallium was discovered during soil and surface dust sampling at the Beachlands playground in Geraldton, which started after local complaints about excessive dust. The metal is more toxic than mercury and lead.
Officials ordered the playground closed and the contaminated soft fall removed and replaced. The exact source remains unknown, though thallium can come from metal and cement manufacturing.
Only this one sample tested positive; nearby playgrounds came back clear.
Why it mattersParents need to know which playgrounds are safe for children while testing and cleanup continue.
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