Containers With Radioactive Material Stolen In Charlotte

A delivery truck containing radioactive material parked outside Presbyterian Hospital was broken into early Friday and some materials were stolen, according to the N.C. Radiation Protection Section.

The materials, known as Technetium 99-m, were inside six containers of syringes. Its often used to diagnose problems in organs in the bodies.

State officials said Technetium 99-m is considered to be a low-hazard radioactive material, but it can be a health and safety risk if improperly handled.

Officials said the radioactive substance will lose all potential to harm people by late Sunday afternoon.

The containers taken from the Hawthorne Lane hospital in Charlotte's Elizabeth neighborhood around 4 a.m. are sturdy, black nylon about one-square foot. Officials say they weigh 10 to 15 pounds. Inside the containers holding the syringes are metal cylinders labeled with the radiation symbol and the word "Radioactive."

Anyone who finds the containers or syringes should not touch them or move them. They should stay at least 10 feet away and contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department at (704) 943-2509 or Crime Stoppers at (704) 334-1600.