Emergency services in Western Australia are now searching for a tiny radioactive capsule that has gone missing during its transportation from a mine. Authorities advised the public to report if they find this object as it poses risks to human health.
The reported capsule is considerably small at around 6mm in diameter and 8mm tall. It is also round and silver, according to Western Australia's Department of Health. It also noted that the object could not be weaponized, but it can be dangerous to one's health.
Hence, the department advised the public not to touch the capsule whenever they encountered it.
Radioactive Caesium-137
The capsule has a small amount of radioactive Caesium-137, a material used in mining operations, which vanished between January 10-16 while being transported from a mine located north of Newman to Perth's north-eastern areas.
According to Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) Chief Superintendent Country North David Gill, a search is conducted to find the capsule and safely contain it.
On January 25, WA Police alerted DFES, which is currently directing the search as the lead agency for hazardous chemicals.
The precise route and stops taken during the trip starting from the north of Newman are being confirmed by a multi-agency Incident Management Team made up of DFES, the Department of Health, WA Police, and other experts.
"The start and finish of the transportation journey - the mine site north of Newman and the transport depot in the north-eastern suburbs of Perth - were among the locations searched yesterday and today. We are also combing roads and other areas in the search zone," Gill said in a statement.
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Do Not Touch
The priority, according to Dr. Andrew Robertson, Chief Health Officer and Chair of the Radiological Council, is to locate and safely confine the substance in order to safeguard the community and alert the public about its health risks.
If someone sees the capsule or something that resembles it, they should avoid it and warn others to do the same, according to Dr. Robertson. Exposure to this chemical could result in radiation burns or serious illness.
The public is also advised not to touch or pick up and that they should report it immediately to authorities by calling 13 DFES (13 33 37).
"If you have touched the material, or have been close to it for an extended period, contact your local health practitioner or visit a hospital emergency department and tell them that you think you may have been exposed to radioactive material," Dr. Robertson said.
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