Missing radioactive capsule in Australia: Area, hazards and more explored as internet responds with memes

An emergency search is underway for a minuscule but potentially deadly radioactive capsule in the vastness of a Western Australian highway. The cylinder went missing somewhere between January 12 and 16, when it was being transported to Perth. After learning about it, netizens have taken to Twitter to create hilarious memes.

The radioactive capsule is the size of a 10-cent coin. The 8mm by 6mm cylinder is believed to have fallen off the back of a truck while being transported from the Rio Tinto, Newman mine, which is 870 miles away from Perth. It reportedly contains caesium-137, a highly radioactive isotope, which is commonly used in radiation gages. Despite being deadly, it cannot be weaponized.

It was only discovered on January 25, 2023, that the capsule had gone missing.

Western Australia’s Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has deployed a team with radiation detection devices and metal detectors to the route the capsule was traveling on. Speaking about the task at hand, David Gill, a chief superintendent at the Dfes said:

“There are challenges here. It is 1,400 kilometers between the mine site… and Perth. There is the potential that we may not find this. That is possible.”

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Search plan for finding the radioactive capsule explored

Darryl Ray, a superintendent with the Dfes, revealed that they were using “radiation detectors to locate the gamma rays.” The equipment reportedly surveys radiation levels across a 20-meter radius using moving vehicles.

The GPS of the truck which was carrying the tiny cylinder is also being looked into to determine the exact journey the vehicle had taken. Unfortunately, it might have gotten stuck in another vehicle’s tire making it next to impossible to find. Andrew Robertson, the chief health officer, also expressed concern over strangers picking it up while unaware of what it is.

Sources claim that exposure to the radioactive cylinder can lead to burns, acute radiation sickness, and potentially cancer. Authorities have warned people not to pick it up or go near it as standing within a meter is the equivalent of receiving 10 X-rays within an hour. Robertson stated:

“You could end up with skin damage, including skin burns… and if you have it long enough near you, it could cause acute radiation sickness. If you’re exposed to this, one of the long-term risk of exposure to a source like this is cancer.”

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Netizens react to the radioactive cylinder being lost

Despite the situation seeming incredibly dangerous, internet users found it hilarious. Many could not believe that the tiny capsule was lost in the vastness of a highway. Others noted that it seems like authorities are trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Several memes of Rio Tinto employees’ reactions have found their way online. A few hilarious reactions on Twitter read:

An investigation into the handling of the cylinder at the Rio Tinto mine site is underway. Police have concluded that the cylinder going loose was an accident and no criminal charges are likely. Authorities have also ruled out theft as there was anti-tampering tape on the box.