The disappearance of a cesium-137 capsule used to calibrate nuclear medicine equipment has set off alarms across the country.
The missing item was detected at a medical institute on Rioja Street at 1500, right in the center of Rosario, and triggered a national emergency protocol with the involvement of organizations specialized in radioactive material.
The capsule was stored in a lead container about 12 centimeters high by 10 wide, with an activity of 103 millicuries (mCi).
The institute’s staff noticed the disappearance when they were about to calibrate a nuclear medicine device.
Ongoing Investigation
- The material was last used on June 12.
- Access to the area was reserved for radiology technicians, with occasional entry by doctors.
- Efforts are being made to determine who last handled the capsule and whether the institute had surveillance cameras.
Risks of Cesium-137
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that emits gamma radiation, capable of penetrating tissues and materials. Its risks include:
- Radiation burns.
- Damage to internal organs.
- Alterations in bone marrow.
- Development of various types of cancer over time.
The lead encapsulation minimizes the risk, but improper handling or opening of the device can lead to dangerous exposures. Therefore, international protocols require immediate reporting of any loss or theft of radioactive sources.
Official Recommendations
Authorities urge the population to:
- Not handle suspicious metallic objects.
- Immediately report any findings to security agencies.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to unknown materials that might be linked to the missing capsule.
International Precedents
The disappearance of cesium-137 sources recalls serious cases:
- Goiânia Accident (Brazil, 1987): scrap collectors dismantled an abandoned radiotherapy device. The bluish glow of the material attracted neighbors and family, causing massive contamination. More than 100,000 people were examined, and hundreds were contaminated.
- Australia, 2023: a cesium-137 capsule just 8 mm in size was lost during a 1,400 km transport. The international search operation managed to locate it days later by the side of a road.
These precedents show how ignorance and lack of controls can lead to large-scale health emergencies.
The theft of the radioactive capsule in Rosario constitutes a health and national security risk. Although the encapsulation reduces the immediate danger, improper handling can have serious consequences.
The rapid activation of protocols and international experience reinforce the need for strict controls and awareness campaigns about the risks of radioactive material.
