A tiny radioactive capsule with the potential to cause skin burns has gone missing as it was transported from a West Australian mine.
Hazardous material experts are searching for the 8mm by 6mm capsule which is believed to have fallen from a truck as it was travelling from the Pilbara to Perth.
Authorities are searching for the capsule which "does emit a reasonable amount of radiation".
"It's about receiving 10 X-rays in an hour," a health spokesman said, adding that more severe health conditions including cancer could stem from prolonged exposure.
The capsule is understood to have fallen from a truck during a 1400km journey, after vibrations worked loose a bolt, and the capsule fell through the bolt hole.
Emergency services were notified of the missing capsule on Wednesday.