2,000 pollution balls made of cosmetic, cleaning and fuel oil chemicals, found on Sydney beaches, prompting closure of eight sites; source unknown.

Sydney beaches have reopened after the removal of about 2,000 black pollution balls that washed ashore, prompting the closure of eight beaches, including Bondi. Testing confirmed the balls are made of fatty acids and chemicals found in cosmetics and cleaning products, mixed with fuel oil. Though not harmful when left on the sand, they should not be touched. The source of these balls remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.