Malaysian authorities are frantically looking for a Radioactive Dispersal Device (RDD) that has been missing since August 10, according to local media (Illustrative photo: Getty Images) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian authorities are frantically looking for a Radioactive Dispersal Device (RDD) that has been missing since August 10, according to local media.
The 23kg device, an Industrial Radiography Equipment, contains the radioactive isotope Iridium-192, which emits beta and gamma radiation as it decays during its estimated half-life of 73 days.
Police and the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) shared the same concerns that it could fall into the hands of terrorists or militants, or those who treat it as scrap metal to be dismantled and sold for a quick buck.
The Iridium-192 can be used to produce dirty bomb – a non-nuclear device using conventional explosives to spread radioactive material over a wide area. It is safe as long as it is kept inside lead-shielded casing.
It is estimated that the RDD has a market value of 75,000 RM, or more than 18,000 USD.–VNA
The 23kg device, an Industrial Radiography Equipment, contains the radioactive isotope Iridium-192, which emits beta and gamma radiation as it decays during its estimated half-life of 73 days.
Police and the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) shared the same concerns that it could fall into the hands of terrorists or militants, or those who treat it as scrap metal to be dismantled and sold for a quick buck.
The Iridium-192 can be used to produce dirty bomb – a non-nuclear device using conventional explosives to spread radioactive material over a wide area. It is safe as long as it is kept inside lead-shielded casing.
It is estimated that the RDD has a market value of 75,000 RM, or more than 18,000 USD.–VNA
VNA
