A popular Melbourne supermarket has been closed after toxic dust was discovered inside its store.
The Coles store at Chadstone has shut its doors indefinitely and thrown out bin-loads of product, with union fears cancer-causing silica from nearby renovations could impact workers.
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Coles said “very low levels of silica dust” were detected.
“We have been conducting a deep clean of the store and, unfortunately, due to product safety and quality, need to dispose of a number of products due to contamination from the dust,” the supermarket giant said in a statement.
“Where possible, Coles always donates product that is fit for use and consumption to food rescue organisations.”
Pictures from 7NEWS showed how shelves had been stripped of goods, ready for deep cleaning.
The Cancer Council says silica dust is “harmful when inhaled” and, because it is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, you might be breathing it in without knowing.
“Exposure to silica dust can lead to the development of lung cancer, silicosis — an irreversible scarring and stiffening of the lungs, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” the council said.
Retail and Fast Food Workers Union said workers based at the Melbourne store are “very concerned” by the development.
Other experts have queried why the dust was not contained to the worksite and allowed to waft into the store.
– with reporting by Paul Dowsley
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