Seven radioactive sources that were stolen from a premises in Dublin in recent days are hazardous to health, the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has warned.

The seven items were contained in a red metal box and were stolen from a premises on Balheary Road in Swords between September 27 and 30.

According to the RPII, the items in the box are dangerous and should not be approached or handled. The red box has a radiation warning sign on it.

"These radioactive sources are hazardous to health. If handled they will cause radioactive contamination to the person's hands and clothing with the possibility of internal radioactive contamination. Close proximity to these sources will result in a person exceeding the annual radiation dose limit in a matter of hours," the RPII explained.

It also pointed out that if the items are dismantled or cut up, ‘they could cause local environmental contamination as well as contamination of the person'.

These radioactive sources have no legitimate commercial or recycling value, the institute added.

According to RPII chief executive, Dr Ann McGarry, it is ‘vitally important' that these items are located as soon as possible.

"I would also appeal directly to the people who have stolen these. They may have no idea what it is that they have in their possession or they may have discarded them somewhere. If that is the case then I would ask them to contact us, so that we can recover the items as soon as possible," she said.

The RPII is appealing to anyone who may be in possession of these items to move a safe distance away - several metres - and call Swords Garda Station on (01) 666 4700 or their local Garda station. Alternatively, call the RPII on (01) 269 7766 (or out of hours 087 916 3364).