Business Standard

Mexico suffers 2nd theft of radioactive material

Image

AP Mexico City
Mexican officials have issued an alert over the theft of a measuring device that uses low-level radioactive materials.

It is the second theft of radioactive material in Mexico since December.

Mexico's Interior Department said late yesterday that a device containing cesium-137 was stolen from a construction industry warehouse on the outskirts of Mexico City.

The department said "it is very unlikely that this source would permanently injure anyone," but it said temporary injuries could result from unprotected handling of the material over a period of time.

The December theft of cobalt-60 used in radiation therapy was considered more serious. The material was recovered about a week later after thieves who stole the truck carrying the material discarded the cylinders filled with it.

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: Jun 12 2014 | 9:16 PM IST

Explore News