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Surfers warned to avoid west Cornwall beaches Cornwall beach clear-up begins after palm oil identified
(about 3 hours later)
Surfers and swimmers have been warned to avoid some west Cornwall beaches after a mystery substance was found. The clear-up of a substance on Cornish beaches has begun after it was found to be palm oil, a contractor says.
A dog that ate the white glutinous substance died and several others were made sick, according to vets. A dog that ate the substance died and several others became sick, according to vets.
Public Health England (PHE) said the substance, which is being analysed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), was a "source of worry". Cory Environmental, which works for Cornwall Council, said it was removing the substance after it was identified as "safe to touch".
Cornwall Council is putting up warning signs at beaches in the affected areas. Public Health England (PHE) said the substance was identified as a "non-harmful oil-based product".
Dr Femi Oshin, from Devon, Cornwall and Somerset PHE, said: "We are advising people to avoid contact with the substance. 'Clearly turned rancid'
"At this stage we are not aware of any human health issues but if you do come into contact with the substance, please wash it off using normal soap or shower gel and water and wash your clothes." PHE had warned people to avoid 11 west Cornwall beaches, although Cornwall Council did not close them.
"We are aware of reports of the substance having an effect on dogs, who may have licked or tried to eat it. Cornwall Council contractors Cory put up warning signs on the beaches affected by the substance, which was first seen on Sunday at Pedn Vounder beach and was described by witnesses as smelling like firelighters.
"We'd advise all dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead when walking them on these affected beaches." Beaches affected included Praa Sands, Porthcurno and Penzance promenade.
The beaches affected include Praa Sands, Porthcurno and Penzance promenade and PHE said it was possible that the substance would travel to other Cornish beaches over the forthcoming days. Cory said the clear-up was starting "straight away".
The MCA said early indications were that the substance may be vegetable oil-based. PHE said the substance had been confirmed as a "non-toxic, degraded, edible oil or fat".
Dr Femi Oshin - from PHE Devon, Cornwall and Somerset - said: "It's reassuring that the substance has been found to be some kind of cooking oil.
"It has clearly turned rancid and that's why we've had reports of it smelling so bad.
"While not harmful to people, it's unpleasant, and we'd still advise people - and dog owners with their pets - to keep away from it, and allow the council's contractors to get on with taking it away and disposing of it."
PHE also warned it was possible the substance would affect other beaches over the forthcoming days.
The substance was analysed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).
Palm oil has a wide variety of uses and is found in food, soaps and shampoos and biofuels.
The source has yet to be identified.