In Western Australia, authorities are frantically searching for a radioactive capsule that was lost in transit from a mining site. The cylindrical capsule, which is only six millimeters in diameter and eight millimeters high, is said to be located somewhere on a 1,400-kilometer stretch between a mine north of the mining town of Newman and Malaga, a suburb of the metropolis of Perth.
The region’s health officer, Andrew Robertson, has issued an urgent health alert. Anyone who discovers anything resembling a small, silver-colored capsule should keep at least five meters away. The silver capsule emits “a fair amount of radiation,” he said. It contains a small amount of radioactive caesium-137.
Within a radius of one meter, the radioactivity is about as high as ten X-rays in an hour – or the amount of natural radiation a person is exposed to during an entire year. “It emits both beta and gamma rays. Getting close to her can cause skin damage, including burns,” Robertson said.
Much smaller than a ten cent coin
He posted a photo on Twitter (tweet above) showing that such a radioactive capsule is significantly smaller than an Australian dime. Meanwhile, it’s not even clear exactly when the little one went missing — it’s believed to have fallen off a lorry sometime between Jan. 10 and Jan. 16, according to a release from the Western Australia Department of Health.
According to the information, vibrations loosened a bolt while driving and the capsule fell through the bolt hole. It was initially unclear why the capsule was not better secured.
Tire profiles must be checked
The fire service, Western Australia Police, Department of Health and experts took part in the search. Car owners traveling on the Great Northern Highway were asked to check their tires, according to broadcaster ABC. The capsule may have gotten stuck there.
Radioactive capsules are used in mining. In the Newman region, where the transportation began, mainly iron ore is mined. Cesium occurs naturally – mainly through erosion and weathering of rocks and minerals. It also ends up in the air, soil and water from mining and ore processing.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
