Missing Density Gauge with Radioactive Materials Recovered
A density gauge equipment with radioactive materials previously reported missing was finally recovered after a two-month search.
The equipment was recovered by its owner, an industrial firm licensed by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI), when an anonymous person tipped them on the whereabouts of the TROXLER 3440. Refusing to identify himself, the John Doe surrendered the equipment to the owner after learning of its health hazards.
Moisture density gauges such as the TROXLER 3440 are used for testing of soil, asphalt and concrete materials, and contain radioactive materials within its shielding that emit significant levels of ionizing radiation.
After informing the police and barangay officials of its successful recovery, the owner transported the equipment to DOST-PNRI on October for further verification/confirmation. The owner then returned the equipment to their facility for safekeeping and has recently filed their concluding report on the incident.
DOST – PNRI is the the agency mandated to license and regulate the use of radioactive materials in industry, medicine, academe, research, and other applications.
