Radiographic camera containing radioactive material still missing in Houston, reward offered for its return

HOUSTON - If you're in north Houston be on the lookout for a missing radiographic camera as the state department needs help finding it.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) sent a notice to the public about a radiographic camera, which contains radioactive material, and went missing on March 9. Reports say the camera’s last known location was 4040 Little York Road.

According to the department, the material is sealed within multiple layers of protection, and the risk of exposure is very low.

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The camera is said to be owned by Statewide Maintenance Company and weighs 53 pounds.

SPEC-150 radiographic camera (Photo Courtesy of DSHS)

Authorities believe the device, estimated to be worth between $15,000- $20,000, was taken from a locker in the back of a construction vehicle.

"That’s pretty crazy," said Cesar Garza, a Houston resident. "If it gets in the wrong hands, it probably could be pretty crazy."

Statewide Maintenance Company is actively searching for the camera with help of DSHS and local authorities. The company is offering a $3,000 reward for its return.

Officials say this type of radioactive source is called a "sealed source" because the radioactive material is sealed inside a capsule, which is also sealed inside the camera with protective shielding and other safety features.

"The concern is someone might not realize what they have and might break in there," said Lara Anton from Department of State Health Services (DSHS). "If you were exposed to it for an hour, it could be lethal. Even a short exposure directly to the source would cause some serious consequences."

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There are radiation markings on the outside of the camera, but the levels of radiation outside the camera itself are not dangerous, reports say.

State health officials have spent more than four days looking for the radiographic camera. So far, they’ve been unable to locate it. 

"We have a device that can detect radiation within about 50 to 60 feet," said Anton. "They did a 5-mile radius [check] of the last known location of the camera to see if they could pick up the device, and they were unable to do that."

If someone finds the camera, they should not try to open it and should call 9-1-1 or the DSHS 24-hour phone line at 512-458-7460 to report the location of the camera.