The US Police have issued a warning about radioactive contamination after an unclaimed portable nuclear gauge from a vehicle that was taken from Pennsylvania has been reported missing.
On Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) asked the public for assistance in the search for a gauge “Contained sealed sources radioactive material” According to the statement, the device belonged to Pennsylvania-based KAKS and Company LLC, which provides services in construction inspection and soil testing.
The department did not specify when exactly the car and the gauge, which is “Commonly used for evaluating the property of roadbed and building materials on construction sites,” were stolen.
“It was found in an unlocked vehicle in Philadelphia. The gauge wasn’t found in the car when it was recovered. It may have been destroyed.” reads the statement.
The department stressed that the gauge doesn’t pose any risk. However, if the device is badly damaged or struck by a vehicle, “Radioactive sources can cause damage and contamination.” Therefore, the DEP recommended that anyone who finds the gauge be extremely careful, not touch it or remain near it for long and “immediately contact local authorities.”
The DEP has reported missing nuclear weapons in the past. A similar gauge was found in October 2021. The DEP and the state police were involved, offering $1,000 to the owner for their return. It was later found.
Similar events occurred in 2013, 2016 and 2010.
Share this story via social media
[ad_2]
