Minnesota Department of Health

News Release

September 13, 2007

Contact information

Public urged to be on lookout for stolen device containing radioactive material

State health officials are alerting the public to be on the lookout for a measuring device containing radioactive materials, which was reported stolen from a pick-up truck in Forest Lake.

The device is believed to have been stolen sometime last night. The theft was reported to MDH at approximately 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. The device was owned by Asset Management, a local firm involved in construction work.

The stolen device uses sealed radiation sources to measure the moisture content and density of soil and building materials. The device does not pose a health hazard as long as it is not damaged, tampered with, or handled by untrained individuals, MDH officials emphasized.

The device has no resale value, according to MDH, since it can only be used for the intended purpose, by people who have been properly trained and licensed. Use of the stolen devise and similar instruments is regulated by MDH.

The device is stored in a yellow box measuring approximately 30 inches long, 14 inches wide and 17 inches high. The box weighs 29 pounds, and is clearly labeled as containing radioactive materials.

MDH is working with the Forest Lake Police Department and officials of Asset Management to recover the device. Anyone who finds the device should call the Forest Lake Police Department at (651) 464-5877, Asset Management at (612) 272-1376 or the State Duty Officer at (651) 649-5451.

Photos of a device similar to the one reported missing:

-MDH-

For more information, contact:

Buddy Ferguson
MDH Communications
(651) 201-4997

George Johns
Radioactive Materials Unit
(651) 201-4545

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