Palm oil is an all too common danger on beaches in Wales.
A large amount of the substance was discovered recently on Aberavon Beach, sparking a warning to dog owners.
The substance can be very dangerous to a canine's health if they consume it.
If you find palm oil there are measures that you should follow to ensure yours and other dogs are kept safe.
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What is palm oil?
Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the mesocarp of the fruit of the oil palms. It is an extremely versatile oil that has many different properties and functions that makes it so useful and so widely used
The oil is used in food manufacturing, in beauty products, and as biofuel.
The substance ends up on Britain’s coast because international law allows ships to offload palm oil residue if they are at least 12 nautical miles from land. It also ends up on the seabed when ships founder.
Why is palm oil so dangerous to dogs?
Palm oil is actually not poisonous to dogs, but it does have a laxative effect and, if eaten, can cause sickness, diarrhoea, dehydration and, in extreme cases, pancreatitis.
Suffers Against Sewage Port Talbot, advises dog owners to be vigilant and if you are concerned that your dog has ingested some, contact your local veterinary surgeon for advice.
What does palm oil look like?
Sometimes palm oil is seen as a scattering of pebble sized lumps that are white and waxy in appearance, the substance often has a distinctive diesel like smell.
What shall I do if I come across palm oil on the beach?
A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency recently said: "If a member of the public believes they have spotted a waxy substance on the beach that potentially could be palm oil we would encourage them to call 999, ask for the coastguard and report it.
"It is also important to keep pets away from the substance as if it is palm oil it can have the potential to be contaminated with fuel waste, bacteria and other toxins.
"Once reported the sighting will be investigated and the relevant authorities alerted to arrange for safe removal. It would be best to check with the local authority to find out more about the disposal element itself."
Surfers Against Sewage Port Talbot advises that if you see any palm oil and can safely collect it off the beach and dispose of it in the bin then please do so, and report sightings to the local council and coastguard
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