Toxic waste labelled drum left in children’s park

A small container marked as holding radioactive material was found in Chatelherault country park in the South Lanarkshire town yesterday afternoon.

An environmental protection unit was called to the scene and an area of open parkland was cordoned off in preparation for expert analysis.

The fire service described the drum as being five inches in diameter with ‘radioactive material’ written on the side.

A scientific advisor and hazardous material (hazmat) officer scanned the black drum for alpha, beta and gamma particles.

Alpha radiation is known to cause lung cancer in humans when alpha emitters are inhaled. Beta emitters can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of cancer if taken internally.

The experts confirmed that none of the potentially harmful particles were present at the scene, and the area was opened again to the public shortly afterwards.

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde police confimed that the police had received a phone call from a concerned member of the public at 1.35pm.

She said: “It concerned a drum labelled hazardous, which they thought may contain chemicals near to a children’s play area in the park.

“On inspection by the fire service, no hazardous material was found and all was in order. Enquiries into how the drum came to be there are ongoing. As a precaution, the area was cordoned off until deemed safe after an hour and a half.”

A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service said: “Fire Service personnel have specialist training and equipment to handle potentially hazardous materials in the proper way. On no account should a member of the public ever touch or remove something they believe could contain a dangerous substance.

“Even if it turns out to be harmless, it is always sensible to be cautious and call out the police or Fire Service.”