Noice
State: Stolen Radioactive Material in Durham Could Pose Health, Safety Risk
Durham, N.C. The state Department of Health and Human Services is warning of stolen radioactive material in Durham.
A measuring tool with a radioactive component was discovered missing on Thursday and was reported to the NC Radiation Protection Section and local law enforcement.
DHHS said the gauge doesn't immediately pose a health or safety threat unless it's mishandled or broken open. If you find the gauge, do not touch or move it and maintain at least 10 feet distance from the gauge until officials arrive to secure the device and area.
A prolonged exposure could cause adverse health effects if the radioactive sources were directly exposed to someone.
The gauge has a stainless-steel handle sticking out from the top with a radiation symbol on it. It also has a description of the radioactive material on a plate attached to the outside of the gauge. Each source of radioactive material is sealed in a stainless-steel cap.
DHHS said the tool, which uses radioactive materials to test conditions of materials during construction, was inside a clearly-marked transportation container when it disappeared.
The container can be identified by its yellow plastic case with the following labels:
Radiation tri-foil (Radioactive – 7)
USA DOT 7A
Type A Radioactive Material
Cargo Aircraft Only
Anyone who finds the gauge is asked to call Travis Cartoski, with NC Radiation Protection Section, at 919-621-4797.
https://www.wral.com/state-stolen-radioactive-material-in-durham-could-pose-health-safety-risk/19664368/