COLLEGE PARK, MD--Radioactive material intended for chemistry research was missing last week from the University of Maryland, and environmental safety officials were searching the campus with radiation detectors.

Radiation safety officials said a cardboard box containing a vial of phosphorous 32 and one of carbon 14 was either lost or stolen last Wednesday. The Diamondback, the university student newspaper, reported last week. The phosphorous is "hazardous" if it is removed from its lead cannister.

Edward Blackburn, campus environmental safety director, said last week that the missing chemicals cost $170 but would have no value to a criminal.