HOUSTON – The Texas Department of State Health Services is notifying the public of a missing radiographic camera, an industrial device that contains radioactive material. The material is sealed within multiple layers of protection, and the risk of exposure is very low.
But there is a caveat to that statement, the exposure risk is very low, as long the equipment stays intact.
The camera, owned by Statewide Maintenance Company, and more specifically a subsidiary, called Diamond G Inspection, is commonly used in the construction industry.
The camera went missing on March 9. The 53-pound camera’s last known location was 4040 Little York Road, a Whataburger.
The item is regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which mandates notification to that federal agency within four hours in the event of theft or loss.
The owner of both Statewide Maintenance Company and Diamond G Inspection said Monday that the NRC was notified within that timeframe window.
Also on Monday, the Whataburger manager at the location the camera was last seen, told KPRC2 Investigates that no agency had come to view or collect the video, which may or may not have captured the perpetrator.
Diamond G Inspection is actively searching for the camera with support from DSHS and local authorities. The company is offering a reward for its return.
This type of radioactive source is called a “sealed source” because the radioactive material is sealed inside a capsule, which is in turn sealed inside the camera with protective shielding and other safety features. The outside of the camera has radiation markings. Levels of radiation outside the camera, itself, are not dangerous.
If someone finds the camera, they should not try to open it and should call 9-1-1 or the DSHS 24-hour phone line at 512-458-7460 to report the location of the camera.
