Search is on for radioactive capsule lost in the Australian Outback
Australian mining corporation Rio Tinto lost a minuscule radioactive capsule, prompting a widescale search across Western Australia. The capsule, just 8 millimeters by 6 millimeters, is believed to have fallen off a truck somewhere in a 900-mile stretch in the Australian Outback, writes The Wall Street Journal. The truck left the company's desert mine on Jan 12. and the capsule was reported missing on Jan. 25.
"It's believed the container it was in at the time collapsed as a result of vibrations during the trip and unfortunately that included the loss of a bolt that was holding it on and it fell through that bolt hole," said Andrew Robertson, Western Australia's chief health officer.
The missing capsule contains Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope commonly used in radiation gauges, reports The Associated Press. It emits a radiation level equivalent to receiving 100 x-rays in one hour. If a person comes in contact with it, they can experience severe radiation sickness, skin damage, and burns.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The incident has sparked a search through the region, though it's like finding a needle in a haystack. Authorities are using radiation-detecting equipment to quicken the search. "Our concern is that somebody will pick it up, not knowing what it is, think 'Oh, this is something interesting' and keep it…not knowing what they are actually dealing with," said Robertson.
Chief executive of Rio Tinto Simon Trott has apologized for the incident saying, "We recognize this is clearly very concerning and are sorry for the alarm it has caused in the Western Australian community," adding, "As well as fully supporting the relevant authorities, we have launched our own investigation to understand how the capsule was lost in transit."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
UK gynaecological care crisis: why thousands of women are left in pain
The Explainer Waiting times have tripled over the past decade thanks to lack of prioritisation or funding for women's health
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
What are Trump's plans for public health?
Today's Big Question From abortion access to vaccine mandates
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
A growing iodine deficiency could bring back America's goiter
Under the Radar Ailment is back thanks to complacency, changing diets and a lack of public-health education
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
ACA opens 2025 enrollment, enters 2024 race
Speed Read Mike Johnson promises big changes to the Affordable Care Act if Trump wins the election
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
McDonald's sued over E. coli linked to burger
Speed Read The outbreak has sickened at least 49 people in 10 states and left one dead
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Flame retardants found in black plastics could have health consequences
Under the Radar Time to replace your kitchen tools
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Preeclampsia: The dangerous pregnancy condition is affecting more women
Under the Radar The condition of preeclampsia is on the rise and can be deadly if left untreated
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The EEE virus is spreading in the US
The Explainer The mosquito strikes again
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published