An equipment for measuring the density and humidity of the soil, which contains two low activity radioactive sources, has been stolen in La Llagosta (Barcelona), as reported by the Nuclear Safety Council (CSN). The stolen equipment contains category 4 radioactive sources, on a scale of 1 to 5 established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in which 5 is the least dangerous category.
“Category 4 is called ‘Unlikely to be dangerous to people’ because given its radioactivity It does not entail radiological risks as long as it remains intact and closed, since the radioactive sources are inside, protected and encapsulated,” says the CSN in a statement.
However, he warns that Yes, risks could arise in case of opening or destruction of the equipment. that they leave the sources without their protections. Likewise, it emphasizes that anyone who locates the equipment must avoid tampering with it and immediately notify the authorities, police or emergency service (112).
The equipment is for measuring density and humidity in soils, from the CPN firmand has two radioactive sources, one of cesium-137 and another of americium-241/beryllium.
The stolen material consists of an orange carrying suitcase, measuring 80x50x50 centimeters approximately, top opening with double safety closure, and an orange box-shaped equipment. It has a metal handle on the top, a glass screen with a numeric keypad and a metal tube where one of the radioactive sources is housed.
