Dominic Smithers
People have been put on alert after a capsule that emitts '10 X-rays' worth of radiation every hour disappeared.
Authorities in Western Australia issued an emergency public health warning today (27 January) following the loss of the capsule:
Speaking during a press conference, the state's chief health officer, Dr Andy Robertson, urged people to stay away from the small object - which measures just 6mm by 8mm - if they come across it.
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It's thought that it may have fallen from a wagon that was making the 1,400km journey from a mine site in Malaga in Perth to Newman in the north of the country on 10 January.
Dr Robertson said that it may have fallen through a bolt hole on the truck.
A huge search is now underway to track the radioactive capsule down.
Peopled driving along the route have been asked to check their tyres, to make sure that the capsule hasn't got stuck in the grips.
While it can't be weaponised, Dr Robertson warned people about the dangers of getting too close to the capsule, as standing within one metre of it would be like getting '10 X-rays an hour'.
Experts have advised people to make sure they are at least five metres away if they think they've come across the capsule.
Dr Robertson said: "It emits both beta rays and gamma rays so if you have it close to you, you could either end up with skin damage including skin burns.
"And if you have it long enough near you, it could cause acute radiation sickness.
"Now that will take a period of time but obviously we are recommending people not be close to it or hang on to it."
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is heading up the search for the capsule and has urged people in the area to be extremely cautious.
David Gill is the DFES Country North chief superintendent.
He said: "The start and finish of the transportation from the mine site north of Newman, and the transport depot in Perth, are among some of the locations that are searched, and being searched yesterday, but the capsule remains unfound.
"There are challenges here. It is 1,400 kilometres between the mine site… to the north of Newman, and Perth."
Anyone with any information has been asked to contact the DFES on 133 337.