Australian authorities found nuclear material on Thursday during searches of a house in suburban Sydney. The local press, quoted by The Guardian newspaper, advances that isotopes of mercury and uranium were found.
According to the British newspaper, the Australian Border Force does not confirm the presence of radioactive substances, but adds that it is working with the support of the New South Wales emergency services.
The authorities guarantee that “all security measures have been implemented.” “People near the scene have been urged to follow all instructions from the emergency services,” Australian police said in a statement.
The Kelsey Street block of flats remains isolated, but so far the authorities have not clarified the reasons that led to the raid on this house.
One of the substances found is uranium 238, which can be used in reactors and nuclear weapons.
Professor Ian Lowe, quoted by The Guardian, explains that an isotope is “just a form of atom that is radioactive.”
In case this substance is found, Lowe indicates that the authorities should report it to the Australian Agency for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (Arpansa).
A spokesman says the Australian nuclear regulator is “supporting state and federal agencies in managing and resolving the situation.”
Arpansa would not confirm the discovery of the isotopes, but said it was aware of the Australian Border Force operation.
Source: TSF
