Probe launched into children’s bikes over asbestos concerns

A particular brand of children’s quad bike has been recalled due to concerns it may contain asbestos.

It's every parents hope that their child is always safe, and we often have to rely on companies and regulations to provide this when it comes to toys, big or small. The particular bikes in question are the Polaris youth quad bikes - models such as the Outlaw 50, 90 and 110, the Sportsman 90 and 110, the Phoenix 200, the Sawtooth 200, the Predator 50 and 90, the Scrambler 50 and 90, and finally the Ace 150 - which are suitable for ages 6 and over.

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It’s thought that up to 13,000 bikes manufactured within the last 13 years could be affected by the highly toxic substance which is banned in over 50 countries worldwide and which is a major cause of mesothelioma cancer – a cancer that affects the covering of the lungs and other internal organs. The recall is being issued by Product Safety Australia over such concerns, although according to the Daily Mail, Polaris Australia manager, Alan Collins, told ABC that the risk was very low for both users and operators after testing took place. “…there were no asbestos fibres picked up in the air through the use of those vehicles. It’s an extremely low probability that those fibres could have been in the air and damaged the operators of the vehicle or anybody nearby to them.”

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He also stated that the investigation was ongoing and they would try and work out how the potential contamination went unnoticed for so long. It’s still viable to ride the bikes but to prevent asbestos particles being released and entering the environment, it’s recommended no user or owner of these quad bikes carry out maintenance or repairs, as various parts including the brake shoes and heat shield are thought to be affected.

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