Passenger carries cancer-causing radioactive pendant into China airport, sets off security

A passenger carrying a highly radioactive pendant arrived at an airport in China and triggered security during routine customs screening.

The incident occurred at Zhoushuizi International Airport in Dalian, Liaoning province, according to Dalian Customs.

The pendant registered 168.6 microsieverts per hour, which is 1,686 times above normal background levels of radiation.

An x-ray exposes a person to about 100 microsieverts, similar to 10 days of natural background radiation.

A talisman?

The traveller described the pendant as a "talisman" given by a friend.

Further analysis identified the radioactive substance as thorium-232, used in electronics and nuclear fuel.

The material is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen for its ability to cause cancer in humans.

The classification is by the World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Dalian Customs seized the item and reminded travellers to verify the composition of international purchases to avoid health risks and financial losses.

Radioactive items exceeding safety standards are confiscated in the airport, it was reported.

They will be handed over to specialised agencies or returned to their place of origin.

Top photos via China Daily & National Business Daily