The N.C. Radiation Protection Section reported today that someone broke into a delivery truck outside Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte and stole six containers of syringes with a common radioactive material called Technetium 99-m.State officials are advising residents in the Mecklenburg County area that Technetium 99-m is considered to be a low-hazard radioactive material, but can pose a potential health and safety risk if it is not handled properly. Technetium 99-m is a radio pharmaceutical used for common diagnostic nuclear medicine studies by most hospitals.
The theft occurred during early morning delivery activities at the hospital Friday outside Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Hawthorne Lane in Charlotte. The stolen containers are rigid black nylon cases and are about one square foot and weigh between 10 pounds and 15 pounds. Inside the containers are metal cylinders containing syringes. Each container was labeled with the radiation symbol and the word “Radioactive.”
Please see the photos below showing what the bag and syringes look like. If you have any information or see these items, call 911 immediately. * More Info *