What I read
Malaysia is hunting for a radioactive device which went missing from a pickup truck earlier this month. Authorities say the radioactive substances inside the radiography device could spread dangerous contamination if dismantled improperly. The missing object is used in industrial radiography. The 23kg large metal tube with a carrying handle had reportedly been used to spot cracks in metal. It contain the radioactive isotope iridium-192 which can cause radiation exposure or be used as a weapon if combined with a conventional explosive device. Whether or not the missing iridium can indeed be used for a so-called "dirty bomb" depends on how much of it was inside the device.
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My response
This is actually quite mysterious.. No one knows where the radioactive device is and how it gone missing. The driver doesn't even noticed that the radioactive device was missing until when he is at his arrival.
Last year, a similar incident happened and that there has been no information on that radioactive device either. Deputy Home Minister Azis Jamman confirmed the incident had taken place but insisted "everything is under control"
I have a feeling that the driver must have something to do with the missing device..
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My question
How do you think that the radioactive device is missing? Is it stolen or fallen off the pickup?
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Reference
Radioactive device gone missing in Malaysia. (2018, August 21)
Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45255181
Thank you Aisha. Your chosen article is a bit worrying. I think nuclear energy is a sensible option, although that's not the sort of radioactive material your summarized story is about.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering what you think of nuclear energy and the use of radioactive material: Are there more advantages or disadvantages? Should more countries have nuclear energy (not nuclear weapons) programs? Which is more harmful: nuclear or oil?