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Radioactive Scare: Polonium Vial Found in German Garden
5 Apr
Summary
- A vial labeled 'Polonium 210' was discovered during an Easter egg hunt.
- Initial tests for radioactivity in Vaihingen an der Enz returned negative.
- Polonium is highly dangerous if inhaled or absorbed through open wounds.
An unusual discovery during an Easter egg hunt in Vaihingen an der Enz, near Stuttgart, Germany, led to a significant emergency response. Two men unearthed a vial identified as "Polonium 210" in a garden. This prompted immediate action from local authorities, including the fire brigade and police, who cordoned off the area.
Initial on-site measurements conducted to detect radioactivity yielded negative results, and the individuals involved were reported to be unharmed. However, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection issued a warning regarding polonium's extreme toxicity, noting its particular danger if inhaled or absorbed through open skin wounds.
It remains uncertain if the 50-millilitre vial actually contained the hazardous radioactive substance. Firefighters have secured the vial according to safety protocols, pending further investigation into its contents and origin.
