Monitoring Desk
NEWMAN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA: A radioactive capsule is the subject of an urgent hunt in Western Australia. The capsule, roughly the size of a coin, contains a small amount of radioactive Caesium-137, a substance commonly used in mining operations. If touched, it could cause serious illness.
The capsule went missing between the towns of Newman and Perth, a distance of roughly 1,400km while being transported on a truck between January 10th and 16th.
Authorities warn from touching the capsule
The public has been cautioned by the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) not to approach the capsule if it is discovered and under no circumstances touch it.
The capsule cannot be weaponized; however, it could cause radiation burns and have other longer-term risks like cancer. The object emits a “reasonable” amount of radiation, per Dr. Andrew Robertson, the state’s chief health officer and chair of the Radiological Council.
Robertson was concerned that someone would unknowingly pick up the substance as something interesting and keep it or give it to someone else.
