Can containing radioactive isotope reported missing in China

Chinese authorities are searching for a can containing radioactive isotope that was missing during transportation in the northeastern province of Jilin earlier this week.

The can, about 20 cm in height, was missing on Sept. 19, when a team of workers from a drilling company of the Daqing Oilfield were working in Songyuan City of Jilin, company sources of Daqing Oilfield in Heilongjiang Province confirmed Saturday.

The can contained radioactive indium-113m, Daqing Oilfield said.

The case was reported immediately to city authorities in Songyuan. Local police and environmental protection agency launched a joint search for the missing can.

Environmental protection specialists said the content posed little threat to the environment, but excessive exposure could be risky to human health.

Police in Songyuan have offered a cash reward of 30,000 yuan (4,498 U.S. dollars) for clues leading to its retrieval.

Source : XINHUA