An urgent search was carried out in Western Australia on Saturday after reports that a tiny radioactive capsule had disappeared in transit from a mine.
The 8 by 6 millimeter silver capsule, which is used in mining, has been missing by rescue services since mid-January said.
It contains the radioactive substance cesium-137, after Western Australian Department of Health.
The capsule is believed to have fallen off a truck while being transported to a warehouse.
health authorities have warned it can cause radiation burns or nausea if handled.
Fire and rescue services said the capsule was lost between the remote town of Newman and the northern Perth suburbs, a distance of about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles).
Officials have warned the public not to touch the pod if found and to contact emergency services.
“The concern is that someone will pick it up without knowing what they’re dealing with,” said Dr. Andrew Robertson, Chief Health Officer for Western Australia.
A fire department spokesman said they are prioritizing populated areas in a search that could take weeks.
Authorities were only notified on Wednesday after the company responsible for the capsule found it was missing, he added.
