Missing radioactive capsule found

Australian authorities have recovered the tiny capsule after a specialist vehicle detected radiation south of Newman. Its precise location was found using portable detectors


CAPSULE: Silver cylinder smaller than Australian 10 cent coin

8mm
6mm

Capsule, containing radioactive isotope Caesium-137, is part of gauge used to measure density of iron ore feed

One hour of exposure from around one metre away is equivalent of having 10 X-rays

1 metre

Prolonged contact can cause skin burns, acute radiation sickness and cancer


Jan 10: Truck leaves Rio Tinto mine of Gudai-Darri

Feb 1: Capsule found two metres off side of road

Newman

AUSTRALIA 

Highway 95

Route: 1,400km

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Perth

Jan 16: Truck reaches depot

Jan 25: Gauge found broken apart, capsule missing

INDIAN OCEAN

Albany

100km 60 miles


Vibrations in transit may have loosened bolts on gauge, allowing capsule to fall through gaps in casing


Sources: Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA, Radiation Services WA 
Pictures: DFES WA, RODNAE Productions via Pexels
© GRAPHIC NEWS