Rat poison washing up on Qld beaches AUTHORITIES are warning beachgoers in Queensland to watch out for canisters containing rat poison. The silver canisters, loaded with aluminium phosphide, can kill if inhaled or ingested. Even mild exposure causes nausea, fatigue and pressure in the chest. The deadly containers have been washing up on the state's beaches since February 2012. As Easter approaches, authorities are again urging beachgoers to avoid the canisters if they see them, as the gas can self-ignite. "Canisters may easily be mistaken by children and pets as toys or something to play with," the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service warns. This curiosity, mixed with such a dangerous chemical, could prove fatal. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has said it's likely the canisters had been accidentally lost overboard from a ship, rather than dumped. Aluminium phosphide is often used to fumigate ships.