A metal tube containing radioactive cesium-137 was lost in Thailand and is now confirmed to have been melted down in a furnace at a recycling plant.

(Associated Press)

[Instant News/Comprehensive Report] The power plant in Prachinburi, 165 kilometers east of Bangkok, Thailand, lost a 25-kilogram, 30-centimeter-long metal tube containing radioactive cesium-137 on the 10th of this month. Officials revealed on the 20th that it has been Traces of cesium-137 were detected in a furnace at a recycling and recasting plant in Prachinburi, indicating that the metal pipes had been re-smelted.

According to the Associated Press, Prachinburi Governor Narong Nakhonchinda revealed that the recycling plant is about 10 kilometers away from the power plant where the metal pipes were lost. Residues of cesium-137 were detected on the 19th. At present, work has been ordered to stop and health checks have been conducted on employees and nearby residents.

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Nakhon Chinda stressed that the recycling plant furnace is a closed system, so there will be no problem of escaping radiation.

Thailand's Atomic Energy and Peace Office noted that metals re-extracted during processing at recycling plants would not be radioactive because high temperatures would separate the cesium-137 from the steel.

However, just to be on the safe side, Thai authorities will check the medical records of all hospitals in Prachinburi for the past month to see if any patients have symptoms suspected of being exposed to radiation.

Prolonged direct exposure to radioactive material has been known to cause skin rashes, hair loss, mouth sores, fatigue and vomiting.

Short-term exposure to cesium-137 may not cause symptoms immediately, but there is an increased risk of cancer.