Research was underway on Saturday January 28 in the state of Western Australia to find as quickly as possible a tiny radioactive capsule that disappeared during its transport from a mine.
To discover
Pension reform: calculate the age at which you will finally leave
The 8mm by 6mm silver capsule, which is used in mining operations, has not been found since mid-January, emergency services said.
It contains a radioactive substance, cesium 137, according to the Department of Health of Western Australia.
The capsule reportedly fell from a truck as it was being transported to a storage location.
Worry is someone picking it up not knowing what they're dealing with
Dr Andrew Robertson, Western Australia Medical Services Manager
Health authorities have warned against handling this object that could cause burns or illness.
Rescue services said she was lost between the remote town of Newman and the northern suburbs of Perth, a distance of around 1,400 kilometres.
“The concern is that someone picks it up not knowing what they are dealing with
,” said Dr Andrew Robertson, Western Australia medical services manager.
A fire department spokesman said the capsule is being searched for in populated areas first but it could take weeks.
Authorities were alerted on Wednesday after the company responsible for the capsule realized it was missing, he added.