MDE, police seek stolen tool with small amount of radioactive material

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Samantha Kappalman or Jay Apperson,

410-537-3003
samantha.kappalman@maryland.gov
jay.apperson@maryland.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MDE, police seek stolen tool with small amount of radioactive material

BALTIMORE, MD (January 28, 2014) – The Maryland Department of the Environment has issued a public alert that a tool containing a small amount of radioactive material has been reported to have been stolen after it was used as part of a property inspection in Baltimore.

Although the device contains radioactive material, there is no imminent public health risk.

A Dynasil RMD LPA-1 analyzer, used to measure concentrations of lead in paint, was reported to have been stolen around 2:40 p.m. Monday from a property in the 2600 block of East Monument Street in Baltimore. The radioactive material is sealed and housed in a tungsten shield inside the instrument and can only be exposed when the instrument’s face is in contact with a surface. The instrument also has locks to prevent its shutter from being opened. It weighs three pounds.

Anyone finding the device should report it immediately to MDE’s Radiological Health Program at 866-MDE-GOTO (866-633-4686), Baltimore City police at 410-396-2433, or the licensee, Arc Environmental, at 410-962-9971.

RMD LPA-1 analyzer (dynasilproducts.com)