Rewind timeline of radioactive cesium-137. Disappeared from a factory in Prachinburi province. almost half a month Most recently found in an iron smelter.

The radioactive cesium-137 was missing from National Power Plant 5A or NPS in Industrial Estate 304, Tha Tum Subdistrict, Sri Maha Pho District, Prachin Buri Province since February 23, but it's news. Big on March 14, because Mr. Ron Ron Nakhonchinda, Prachinburi Governor, made a press conference. There were representatives from the Office of Atoms for Peace, the NPS Company and the Provincial Public Health. Joint statement acknowledging that cesium-137 Disappeared from NPS companies engaged in electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning businesses. The electric distribution company installed 14 pieces of radioactive cesium-137 and was initially known to have disappeared by the evening of March 10.

while the Prachin Buri Provincial was informed that the cesium object had disappeared the next day (11 March), fearing that it might have been taken away and might end up in an antiques shop. Initially, he advised the company to report to Sri Maha Bodhi Police Station Ready to go out, track, but not yet found. If people have gone and unknowingly Melting or burning can be dangerous. In addition, the age of such objects is another 300 years. If no one does anything, it will decay with age.

Secretary of the Office of Atomic Energy for Peace spread the news If anyone takes it, whatever it is, bring it back without worrying about being arrested. Along with announcing the award to the person who brought it back Or notify a clue in the amount of 50,000 baht, later issued a document to increase the reward for the whistleblower to 100,000 baht.

Then, on 13 March, a meeting was held to discuss solutions to the problem of identification and search for lost radioactive materials. with the Prachin Buri Governor as the president The radioactive material disappeared around February 23. The company has asked drivers who work in the area if A very loud sound was heard as if metal had fallen to the ground. But don't think that a dangerous object will disappear.

Radioactive material cesium-137 Installed on the ash silo It has a height of about 16-17 meters from the ground. It looks like a cylindrical rod. There is a protective lead inside and wrapped in steel, 5 inches in diameter, 8 inches long, weighs 25 kilograms, and is labeled with information about the radioactive material. Including a small radiological symbol attached. But because it has been used for about 28 years, there will be a lot of rust on the island.

At the same time, people are advised to observe and be vigilant. The missing caesium-137 object is lead-protected and encased in iron. The radioactive material is in the innermost layer. If it remains in its original condition, it will not affect people's health and the environment. But if disassembling or dismantling the shielding which causes the radioactive material to appear naked There will be a radius of radiation from the radioactive material about 1-2 meters, if touched directly, will cause the person to experience a rash. or burns to the affected area

And since March 14, the announcement table has been set. Nuclear and Radiation Emergency Operations Center Office of Atoms for Peace They sent staff to lay carpets to search antique shops, metal scraps and iron smelters both in the Prachinburi area. to nearby areas like Chachoengsao by examining using radiological measuring equipment And the drone flew to explore, but without a sign until yesterday (March 19), there was news that it was found in a steel smelter and the governor made an appointment to announce details at 11:00 a.m. today (March 20).

Source: Thai News Agency