Radioactive cesium missing in Kazakhstan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 2 September 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radioactive cesium missing in Kazakhstan, 2 September 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/542ac6ee15.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 02, 2014
Kazakh authorities are searching for a canister of radioactive cesium 137 that has gone missing in the western part of the Central Asian nation.
Local authorities in the western Manghystau region said on September 2 that a metal cylinder containing the substance had been lost in the region on August 27 while being transported by car.
They have warned residents not to open the container if it is found because it could be deadly.
Cesium 137 is a radioactive isotope used in the nuclear industry and in medicine.
It can sharply raise the level of radioactivity in an area it contaminates.
Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB) has joined the investigation and search for the container.
Based on reporting by Tengrinews and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website