Radioactive material packaging located in São Paulo and placed in police custody

Update — October 5: the packaging carrying Actinium-225 (Ac-225) was found on Sunday night (5) in a vacant lot in the São Rafael neighborhood, in the East Zone of São Paulo. The information was released by Brazil’s National Nuclear Safety Authority (ANSN).

According to the ANSN, Civil Police kept the volume in a secure area under custody. The Authority has already confirmed that it is the same packaging that had been in the stolen van; the radioactive source will undergo a technical assessment before the response is concluded.

Initial images provided strong indications that the packaging had not been tampered with. The manufacturer in the United States also recognized the item as compatible with the packaging used to transport the radiopharmaceutical.

Vehicle found first; packaging found later

The van that carried the material had previously been found burned in Ferraz de Vasconcelos. At that point, the packaging was not inside the vehicle. Its later discovery ends the search for the package, while the ANSN continues its technical verification of the contents.

Low risk, but do not handle it

Actinium-225 is used in medical treatment. The ANSN says that, given the radionuclide’s characteristics and the quantity involved, the radiological risk to the public is low. Even so, the package must not be opened, damaged or handled.

In similar situations, people should keep their distance, isolate the area and contact the authorities.

Source: National Nuclear Safety Authority (ANSN).

Images from the recovery