SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — A Chinese automaker says it's recalling nearly 12,500 cars sold in Brazil after asbestos was found in engine and exhaust gaskets.

Chery International says in an emailed statement that it investigated the asbestos problem after it was discovered about two weeks ago in vehicles sold in Australia. Asbestos is a known carcinogen.

A recall of 23,000 cars was made in that nation.

The automaker says in its Wednesday statement that the Brazil recall is of its Tiggo and Cielo models, both hatchback and sedans.

Chery says the asbestos does not pose a risk to drivers during use of vehicles. But it warned owners to not replace the gaskets themselves.