Minas Gerais Civil Police investigates the disappearance of two density meters belonging to mining company AMG Brasil. Although it contains cesium-137, the substances pose a very low risk to human health.
Possibly stolen pulp density meters are double-encapsulated with stainless steel and have a stainless steel outer casing, making objects resistant to impact.
Also, according to AMG Brazil, radioactive sources “have 275,000 times lower activity than some radiotherapy devices”. Resources are classified as “Category 5, Low Risk”.
The National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) has released a note explaining that the lost resources have about 300,000 times less activity than the cesium-137 accident at Goiânia, the most serious in Brazilian history.
And even if someone manages to turn on the density meters, radioactive material cannot be emitted. The material is also classified as “non-hazardous” by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to CNEN.
“Therefore, serious health effects from contact with them are not expected. However, it is important to continue the search to save them in a way that avoids unnecessary exposures.”
disappearance
The Nazareno unit of mining company AMG Brasil, a municipality located about 150km from Belo Horizonte, contacted CNEN on Thursday (June 29th). The company announced that its density measuring equipment is gone.
After reporting on the incident, technicians from the Center for the Advancement of Nuclear Technology (CDTN), a CNEN unit in Minas, went to the scene last Friday (30) to gather information on the incident.
According to CNEN, technicians assist AMG Brasil employees in searching for equipment. As this is a possible crime of theft, the Civil Police have also stepped in and are searching the area and listening to those involved.
CNEN pointed out that AMG Brasil is regularly licensed and has the operational authorization in effect until 30.12.2025.
Source: Tec Mundo
I am a passionate and hardworking journalist with an eye for detail. I specialize in the field of news reporting, and have been writing for Gadget Onus, a renowned online news site, since 2019. As the author of their Hot News section, I’m proud to be at the forefront of today’s headlines and current affairs.
