The emergency services warned of a radioactive substance risk in parts of the Pilbara, Midwest Gascoyne, Goldfields-Midlands, and Perth Metropolitan regions.

Exposure to Cesium-137 could cause radiation burns or radiation sickness.

However, risk to the general community is relatively low, officials said.

"If people see the capsule or something that looks similar, stay away from it and keep others away from it too," said Dr. Andrew Robertson, chief health officer and Radiological Council chair, in a statement on Friday.

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[Chief Health Officer Dr. Andrew Robertson has warned people to "stay away" from the radioactive capsule if they come across it.]

"Do not touch it or pick it up. The public is asked to report it immediately by calling 13 DFES (13 33 37)," he added, advising anyone who touches or goes close to the material for a long period of time to seek medical care.

"If you are very close to the material or touching it, the radiation risk increases immensely and could cause serious damage to your health, including causing radiation burns to the skin," Robertson said.

[via CNN

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New York Times update here.