Officials with the Alabama Department of Public Health are asking for the public’s help in locating a box that contains radioactive material.
According to an ADPH statement reported by WHNT, Alabama Radiation Control received reports on Jan. 10 about a gauge containing two types of radioactive material that “did not appear to be in the possession of its owner.” It is believed the gauge was lost around 5750 Mooresville Road in Tanner in Limestone County.
The device, used for measuring the density of soil, is in a yellow rectangular box with the words “Caution…Radioactive Material” written on the outside. The manufacturer and model, Troxel 3430, are also printed on the box, which belongs to Building and Earth Sciences.
WHNT reported a man found the box on the road in Tanner Tuesday but did not take it home after seeing the warning. As a precaution, the man went to Huntsville Hospital to be checked and was released. According to reports, an older man in a white truck later stopped and picked up the box, placed it in the bed of his truck and drove off. The identity of that man is unknown.
ADPH said while the radioactive materials are secured inside the device shielding, the public is asked not to touch the box.
“Radioactive sources are secured inside the device by a locking mechanism and present no significant hazard to the finder unless the lock is defeated and the source removed from the internal shield,” ADPH said.
People might have knowledge of the device’s location are asked to contact local law enforcement, Alabama Radiation Control, or Emergency Management Agency officials. Alabama Radiation Control can be reached at 334-290-6244, 1-800-582-1866, or 334-324-0076. A $2,000 reward is being offered for its return.