Radioactive Cesium Missing In Kazakhstan

Kazakh authorities are searching for a canister of radioactive cesium 137 that has gone missing in the western part of the Central Asian nation.

Local authorities in the western Manghystau region said on September 2 that a metal cylinder containing the substance had been lost in the region on August 27 while being transported by car.

They have warned residents not to open the container if it is found because it could be deadly.

Cesium 137 is a radioactive isotope used in the nuclear industry and in medicine.

It can sharply raise the level of radioactivity in an area it contaminates.

Kazakhstan's National Security Committee (KNB) has joined the investigation and search for the container.

Based on reporting by Tengrinews and Interfax