The West sounded the alarm Australia after a tiny capsule containing a radioactive substance goes missing and authorities are in the midst of an ongoing investigation to trace its whereabouts.

According to the BBC, the capsule in question contains a small amount of radioactive caesium-137 and can cause serious illness if it comes into contact.

As noted in the publication, most often this substance is used in mining. The capsule disappeared in mid-January between the cities of Newman and Perth, at a distance of about 1,400 kilometers.

The same information states that the capsule was transported by truck between a mine north of Newman and northeastern Perth.

Authorities have warned citizens not to approach the capsule if it comes into their line of sight.
However, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) makes it clear that the capsule cannot be used as a weapon.

However, it can cause radiation burns, and any contact with it can carry long-term health risks, even cancer.

For his part, the head of the Australian National Health Service and chairman of the Radiological Council, Dr. Andrew Robertson, notes that “the object emits a “reasonable amount” of radioactivity“.

That being said, he doesn’t miss an opportunity to express his concern about the possibility of someone taking a capsule without knowing what it is: “He might think it’s an object of interest and keep it or give it to someone.” states.

In the face of this danger, DFES released a 6 mm by 8 mm image of the object for safety reasons.

In addition, the areas from which it started as well as those in which the transmission was completed have been investigated, and efforts are being made to map the exact route and stops made.

Finally, the authorities are calling on all citizens who see the object to notify the DFES and seek medical attention if they think they have come into contact with the capsule.

Source: BBC