Nuclear watchdog issues warning on missing Iridium in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: A public warning has been issued by a nuclear watchdog agency after a radioactive source of Iridium went missing on Tuesday.

The loss of the substance, used in industrial radiography by an Abu Dhabi-based company, prompted the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) to issue the warning.

In a statement by Fanr, the agency said the lost radioactive source could cause injuries if not handled professionally. The authority asked anyone who has seen any suspicious equipment or metals to keep away from them, not handle the source directly and to immediately call the nearest police station.

The warning came when a company based in Abu Dhabi's industrial Mussafah area notified Fanr of the loss of the radioactive source.

Precautions

As police and the company officials continue their search, Fanr has advised them and other relevant authorities of the possible hazards one may encounter if the source were to be handled by unauthorised persons. Fanr especially drew the attention of scrap metal dealers, in case the equipment with the radioactive source ended up being sold to them.

The source would pose health hazards if its protective shielding were to be damaged or if the source were to be removed from its protective shield.

Fanr remains in continuous contact with several federal and local authorities in the search for securely locating the source and safely dealing with it.