Search begins for lost radioactive capsule Western Australia - 9News

The search for the lost radioactive capsule has officially begun in Western Australia.

Radiation health crews combed through the Highway in between Western Australia's Pilbara region and Perth, where the capsule was lost more than a week ago, using radiation survey metres.

The tiny radioactive capsule, which was announced as missing yesterday, sparked an urgent hazmat health warning.

State's emergency department is conducting a search for the missing radioactive device using gauges to measure radiation along long stretch of freeway. (9News)

The capsule, which is silver, round and measures just six by eight millimetres in size, was lost sometime between January 10 and January 16 while it was being transported between the mine north of Newman and north-east Perth.

Radiation Services WA are still trying to determine how the capsule went missing, saying its "highly unlikely" that something like this could happen due to the vigorous safety measures taken during the transportation process.

While it cannot be weaponised, WA Health warned it could cause significant health concerns.

"Exposure to this substance could cause radiation burns or severe illness – if people see the capsule or something that looks similar, stay away from it and keep others away from it too," Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said.

"Do not touch or pick it up. The public is asked to report it immediately by calling 13 DFES (13 33 37).

"If you have touched the material, or have been close to it for an extended period, contact your local health practitioner or visit a hospital emergency department and tell them that you think you may have been exposed to radioactive material.

"If you are very close to the material or touching it, the radiation risk increases immensely and could cause serious damage to your health, including causing radiation burns to the skin."

A tiny radioactive capsule has been lost between a mine in Western Australia's Pilbara region and Perth, sparking an urgent hazmat health warning. (Supplied)

"A multi-agency Incident Management Team, comprised of Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES), Department of Health, WA Police and other subject matter experts, are confirming the exact route and stops made during the journey from north of Newman," David Gill from DFES said.

"The start and finish of the transportation journey – the mine site north of Newman and the transport depot in the north-eastern suburbs of Perth – were among the locations searched yesterday and today.

"We are also combing roads and other areas in the search zone."

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2023-01-28 13:05:28Z
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