State: Device stolen from Durham contains radioactive material, could pose health, safety risk

A tool used to measure compaction of asphalt in road construction with a radioactive component was discovered missing on Thursday and was reported to the NC Radiation Protection Section and local law enforcement. Where the tool was stolen from was not released.

DHHS said the gauge doesn't immediately pose a health or safety threat unless it's mishandled or broken open. If you find the gauge, do not touch or move it and maintain at least 10 feet distance from the gauge until officials arrive to secure the device and area.

Billy Troxler of Troxler Labs, which makes the device, said it is "not that dangerous,' and would pose a threat of radiation exposure only to someone who stood within about 3 feet of it.

The gauge has a stainless-steel handle sticking out from the top with a radiation symbol on it. It also has a description of the radioactive material on a plate attached to the outside of the gauge. Each source of radioactive material is sealed in a stainless-steel cap.

DHHS said the tool, which uses radioactive materials to test conditions of materials during construction, was inside a clearly-marked transportation container when it disappeared.

The container can be identified by its yellow plastic case with the following labels:

Anyone who finds the gauge is asked to call Travis Cartoski, with NC Radiation Protection Section, at 919-621-4797.