Firefighters in Vaihingen an der Enz, Germany, discovered a bottle labeled “Polonium210” while responding to a report from two men searching for Easter eggs.
Radioactive Substance Identified
Fire commander Andy Dorroch stated that “Polonium-210 is a potentially deadly radioactive substance.” Firefighters assessed the bottle as authentic, noting its weight and container type were consistent with the substance.
Dorroch explained the bottle, estimated to weigh 200 grams, is “relatively heavy, which is consistent with the fact that polonium-210 is a relatively dense substance.” He indicated authorities are proceeding under the assumption it is indeed polonium-210.
Large-Scale Emergency Response
The discovery triggered a major operation involving the fire department and police, with a total of 138 personnel and 41 vehicles deployed, including radiological protection and hazardous materials units, as well as a specialist from a nuclear power plant.
Initial radioactivity measurements taken at the scene were negative. The bottle has been taken over by the Ministry of Environment of Baden-Württemberg for content analysis.
Polonium-210: A Highly Toxic Substance
Polonium is a chemically highly radiotoxic element, posing significant health risks. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), it is particularly dangerous if inhaled or absorbed through the skin via open wounds.
The German Press Agency (dpa) recalls the 2006 death of former Russian intelligence officer Alexander Litvinenko in London, who was poisoned with polonium-210.
Investigation into Police Bug
Separately, police in Kalisz, Poland, are investigating the discovery of a listening device. Spokesperson Anna Jaworska-Wojnicz stated an investigation is underway to determine the device’s origin and purpose.
Local councilors suspect involvement from rival factions within the PiS party, as reported by Janusz Jaros on Wyborcza.pl.
