Authorities are searching for a tiny but dangerous radioactive capsule that went missing on a 1400km journey across the West Australian outback.

January 28, 2023

An urgent search is underway for a potentially dangerous radioactive capsule that fell off the back of a truck as it was transported from a West Australian mine to Perth.

A radioactive substance health warning has been issued along a 1400km freight route from the Pilbara to a depot in the Perth suburb of Malaga.

“We are starting to comb roads and other areas in the search zones, specifically Great Northern Highway in Perth’s northeast,” David Gill, a Department of Fire and Emergency Services superintendent, said.

Hazardous material experts are searching for the 8mm by 6mm solid capsule, which was last seen on January 10 at a minesite north of Newman.

Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson said the small silver cylinder was a 19-becquerel caesium 137 ceramic source commonly used in radiation gauges.

“It emits both beta and gamma rays, so if you have contact or close to you, you could either end up with skin damage, including skin burns … and if you have it long near you it could cause acute radiation sickness,” he said.

Dr Robertson said the unit emits about two millisieverts of radiation per hour, which is the equivalent of having 10 x-rays in an hour, and long term exposure could cause cancer.

“Our concern is someone will pick it up, not knowing what it is, think this is something interesting (and) keep it … not knowing what they are actually dealing with,” he said.

Authorities believe the container the capsule was in collapsed due to road vibrations and the unit fell through a bolt hole.

Members of the public have been warned not to touch the dangerous device and stay at least five metres away, and contact emergency services.