Non-genuine brake pads for Toyota models contain asbestos.
Serious health concerns have been raised over the use of non-genuine brake pads that have been sold online to Toyota HiAce and HiLux owners.
The affected brake pads have been found to contain asbestos.
Being overseen by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Toyota HiLux and HiAce Brake Pad Recall affects front brake pads sold on eBay by Westend Spares.
The ACCC recall notice says the affected brake pads were sold by online between the 1st of June 2013 and the 19th of October 2015.
The ACCC advising that recent testing has detected the presence of chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) in these front brake pads. The importation of asbestos or goods containing asbestos into Australia is prohibited.
Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Affected consumers have been contacted and offered a full refund. Consumers should dispose of the brake pads or return them to supplier for disposal.
The ACCC also advises that consumers can:
- Place the brake pads in a plastic bag (ziplock or double bagged and sealed with a knot) or in their original packaging and return to the supplier.
- Take the brake pads (in a bag or their original packaging) to an authorised asbestos disposal facility. Your nearest asbestos disposal facility can be located on the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency website. It is the law that any materials containing asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities.
- Consumers can also ask Westend Spares to reimburse them with any reasonable disposal costs and they should retain receipts for this purpose. Consumers should not send these products in the mail.
For more information, affected consumers can contact Westend Spares on 0419215275.