Mining firm Rio Tinto apologized on Monday for losing a radioactive capsule in Western Australia.
Authorities have issued a radiation alert for parts of the region as they search for the object.
- The radioactive component was used in an instrument to measure the density of iron ore.
- The eight-millimeter-long capsule contains Caesium-137, which emits as much radiation per hour as 10 X-rays.
- Close exposure to the object could cause radiation sickness and burns.
- The specialist contractor tasked with moving the capsule by truck may have lost it up to two weeks ago.
- Australian authorities are using radiation detectors to search for the object along an 870-mile route.
