Water report card released Jul 13, 2008
This year s report includes the statements that certain minerals are radioactive and may emit a form of radiation known as alpha radiation. Some people who drink water containing alpha emitters in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Radon: The Silent Home Invader That Can Kill Apr 8, 2008
When inhaled, radon can damage the lungs by continuing to emit tiny bursts of alpha radiation, she said. "The alpha emitters can actually damage the DNA of the lung tissue," Miller said. (MEDLINEplus)
Village, school respond to water concerns Dec 6, 2007
Radium 226+228 levels taken over a four quarter average were detected at 6 picocuries per liter (pci/L) in June, topping the 5 pci/L MCL. Earlier in the year the same well had detected an average gross alpha radiation of 16 pci/L, just above the 15 pci/L. ... He added also that the institution of maximum contaminant levels was also far from an exact science due to insufficient data, and confirmed that at one time the EPA considered setting the MCL for gross alpha radiation at 20 pci/MCL.. (Pawling News Chronicle, NY)
Litvinenko's widow points the finger at Russia Nov 24, 2007
Polonium-210 emits alpha radiation and is lethal if swallowed or breathed in but relatively benign outside the body. It is manufactured for anti-static commercial applications at Avangard for export to the US but could not be converted into poison from this, Ms Christian said. (Independent)
United States Nov 18, 2007
DU, inhaled in the form of tiny motes of oxide that lodge inside the lungs, emits alpha radiation, nuclei of helium. Unlike the gamma radiation produced by enriched, weapons-grade uranium, alpha particles will not penetrate the skin. (Guardian Unlimited)
Who is MagPro? Sep 13, 2007
Samples taken during the project indicated the presence of Alpha radiation, which can be absorbed by human skin, but is not normally dangerous unless ingested. The Ventura County Star states that Halaco began operations in Los Angeles in 1950 and eventually moved to Gardena, Calif. (Camden Chronicle, TN)
Village seeks solutions to well contamination Aug 31, 2007
The well, one of two at the Libby Lane site, was the same that was issued a similar violation notice just a few months ago for gross alpha radiation. Over a four-quarter average the site had exceeded the 15pci/L for the radiation by 1 pci/L. Radium 226+228 is a type of alpha radiation, measured both on its own and as included in a sample's gross alpha radiation. (Pawling News Chronicle, NY)
Radiation Shuts One Town Well Bowling Green shuts down well due to high radiation levels Aug 18, 2007
Natural minerals in the ground and water can emit what is known as alpha radiation. But the alpha radiation requires precursors such as radium, which were not present in tests on the Bowling Green well, Town Manager Stephen Manster said. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Radionuclides in village well found above limit in 2006 Jun 16, 2007
Saturday 16 June, 2007. The radiation, in excess of the maximum level that's permitted by Environmental Protection Agency standards, was detected at one of five entry points to the system. (Pawling News Chronicle, NY)
Litvinenko case Jun 5, 2007
But polonium-210 gives off alpha radiation, which is undetectable by the usual scans at, for example, airports ... "By the time I got back, Roger Cox was ready with a tutorial on polonium and alpha radiation for me. I was going to have to brief ministers and the media. I realised I'd better get it right." ... She holds an Electra dual phosphor probe over a sealed alpha radiation source to demonstrate the clicking sound it gives off. (Guardian Unlimited)
Portrait of a perfect murder May 8, 2007
The old systems included boiling at high temperatures which was extremely destructive to the DNA." What these scientists now do is simply heat the remains gently with biological washing powder. The biological enzymes eat away at the flesh, leaving just the bones behind. This would certainly make a murder more difficult to investigate but not impossible. Some people are more likely to deposit their DNA than other people Eleanor GrahamDNA expert Gunshot and knife wounds may still be visible on the... (BBC News -- UK)
Feb. 18 Letters to the Editor Feb 18, 2007
(The alpha radiation from U-238 can be somewhat more damaging than the beta radiation from C-14 and K-40 but, on the other hand, most of the uranium taken internally is excreted. Regardless of how these exposures are viewed, either together or separately, the threat is inconsequential when one realizes that we are constantly exposed to more intense whole-body nuclear radiation from our natural surroundings and cosmic rays, without any observable effects (e. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Goodview residents: Aren’t we lucky? Feb 13, 2007
It is believed by the U.S. government that radiation received externally through showering, washing or other uses of radium-containing water is insignificant since the skin blocks the alpha radiation ... There is support by our government that exposure to high levels of radium and other sources of alpha radiation for extended periods can result in and cause depression of the immune system, anemia, cataracts, fractured teeth and some types of cancer (Illinois Department of Public Health, Dr. Eric... (Winona Daily News, MN)
Canned nuclear waste cooks its container Jan 11, 2007
Many of the waste substances, including plutonium-239, emit alpha radiation, which travels for only very short distances (barely a few hundredths of a millimetre) in the ceramic, but creates havoc along the way. A fast-moving alpha particle knocks into hundreds of atoms in its path, scattering them like skittles. (Nature News Service)
Alexander Litvinenko's Widow Speaks Dec 22, 2006
He had alpha radiation, which has a short wavelength [though not as short as that of gamma rays], and it was internal. That kind of radiation only showed up on a special and very complicated urine test. (Ocnus.net)
Radiation likely is polonium, linked to murdered former spy Dec 11, 2006
Police said on Saturday that traces of alpha radiation had been found at properties in and near Hamburg used by the ex-wife and former mother-in-law of Dmitry Kovtun. The Russian businessman met Litvinenko in London on November 1, the day the former spy is believed to have fallen ill. (People's Daily Online, China)
Eurasian Secret Services Daily Review Dec 10, 2006
In Kovtun s present apartment were discovered no radioactive tracks, however, they were fixed " in two places in the apartment of his former wife, in the same house, according to Frankfurter Allgemeine. Police believes a more thorough investigation should give more reliable explanations, as more precise measurements have been following today. Police say they are necessary because the alpha radiation going out from polonium has only very low reach. The Hamburg police established together with the... (Axis News)
Germans detect radiation Dec 10, 2006
Police said they found traces of alpha radiation at the Hamburg apartment of the ex-wife of Dmitry Kovtun, who met Litvinenko in London on Nov. 1, the day the former spy is believed to have fallen ill. They also said an initial scan had shown contamination at the home in Haselau, west of the port city, of his ex-wife's mother. (USA Today)
'Italian who dined with the former KGB spy may yet share his fate' Dec 2, 2006
" Pat Troop, chief executive of the Britain's Health Protection Agency, said earlier that the member of the family who had tested positively - who had not yet been named as his wife - had been exposed to a "very small" long-term health risk "This adult family member received a tiny fraction of the lethal dose received by Mr Litvinenko himself," Ms Troop said. Mr Litvinenko's wife and his father, Walter, kept a vigil at his hospital bedside in the days before he died. So far 2,655 people have... (Scotsman)
Litvinenko: Second man poisoned Dec 2, 2006
He said: "Police will have to pinpoint Mr Scaramella's movements in the UK and these locations will then have to be examined by scientists for alpha radiation - just as with the places visited by Mr Litvinenko.". This means the already huge investigation and public health assessments, which have included examinations of aircraft among 12 different sites, will have to be widened ever further. (ITV.com)
Litvinenko contact 'doing well' Dec 2, 2006
But this figure could rise further as police pinpoint Mr Scaramella's movements in the UK - highlighting more sites which would then have to be examined by scientists for alpha radiation. It is thought that Mr Litvinenko's wife Marina, who was in close contact with him during his illness, also showed traces of polonium 210. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
Russian jet held at Heathrow as spy death case unfolds Dec 1, 2006
The Home Secretary backed BA officials in saying that the risk to public health was very low, largely because the radioactive isotope in question, polonium-210, only posed a threat if it was ingested and emitted its alpha radiation only over a very short distance. An inquest into Litvinenko's death last Thursday opened today in Camden, North London, and was immediately adjourned to allow detectives to continue their inquiries. (Yahoo News -- Espionage & Intelligence)
Alert delayed by BA-Home Office row Dec 1, 2006
Dispute over who should inform 36,000 passengers NHS Direct criticised for giving insufficient advice. Dan Milmo, Jeevan Vasagar and Sandra LavilleFriday December 1, 2006. (Guardian Unlimited)
Fourth plane probed in ex-spy death Nov 30, 2006
They were scanning the planes for traces of alpha radiation - the type emitted by polonium 210, the deadly radioactive element with which Mr Litvinenko was poisoned. However, as alpha radiation cannot pass through skin or even paper, the risk of contamination is "likely to be low", Prof Troop said. (Guardian Unlimited -- UK)
More Questions than Answers in Russian Spy's Murder Investigation Nov 30, 2006
It is known to have been used in Soviet weapons and space program machinery, but with low-penetration alpha radiation, it is hard to detect and can easily be smuggled across borders. Such a high level of sophistication has aroused suspicion that the assassination was a carefully planned operation, requiring serious state-level backing. (Epoch Times)
'No need for public alarm'... Nov 28, 2006
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has also sought to allay concern, pointing out that the kind of alpha radiation involved can only travel tiny distances, so the risk of contamination is minimal. Also on Monday officials confirmed that an inquest into Litvinenko's death will be formally opened on Thursday. (The Drudge Report)
Murder most mysterious Nov 28, 2006
Again, you might think that simple to detect; again, no. polonium-210 emits weakly penetrating alpha radiation rather than gamma rays, so the radiation would be absorbed by the body and undetectable outside. That alone could throw doctors off. (Nature News Service)
Polonium detected at Berezovsky's office Nov 28, 2006
A large dose of alpha radiation from the isotope polonium 210 was found in his urine. A statement he composed before he died blamed Mr Putin, a claim denied by the Kremlin. (Guardian Unlimited)
Litvinenko killed by 'radiation': UK Nov 28, 2006
Professor Roger Cox of the Health Protection Agency said a "large quantity" of alpha radiation "probably from a substance called polonium 210" had been detected in Litvinenko's urine. "We know he had a major dose," added HPA chief executive Professor Pat Troop, adding that it was unprecedented that "someone has apparently been deliberately poisoned by a type of radiation" in Britain. (India Times, India)
Radioactivity scare in London Nov 27, 2006
The demise of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko is being linked to alpha radiation from polonium 210 in his urine, traces of which were found at a sushi bar and hotel where he met contacts before falling ill on November 1. Amid fears that the poisoning could provoke a diplomatic row between Britain and Russia, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain acknowledged on Sunday that relations between the nations were now very difficult. (iAfrica.com)
Slain former spy took Yukos dossier to Israel Nov 27, 2006
Mr Litvinenko, who died late on Thursday in a case linked to alpha radiation from polonium 210 in his urine, was a fierce critic of the Russian President, Vladimir Putin. The Times said he passed the dossier to Leonid Nevzlin, the former second in command at Yukos. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Police head for Russia amid doubts over 'lone poisoner' Nov 27, 2006
Mr Litvinenko's home in north London, where traces of alpha radiation from polonium 210 have been found, was still being examined yesterday. Special reports. (Guardian Unlimited)
British minister admits poor relations as police reportedly to fly to Moscow Nov 27, 2006
The death of Alexander Litvinenko, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been linked to alpha radiation from polonium 210 in his urine, traces of which were found at a sushi bar and hotel where he met contacts before falling ill on November 1. Concerned members of the public who were present at both central London locations were told to call a National Health Service (NHS) hotline. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Londoners tested as Litvinenko poison fears grow Nov 26, 2006
Polonium-210, which emits alpha radiation, is 250 billion times more poisonous than cyanide once it enters the human body. "It's not something that's used every day in research laboratories so it has to be manufactured in a nuclear facility," said Gaia Vince, of the New Scientist magazine. (Scotsman)
Spy's Deathbed Revelation A former KGB officer killed by radiation poisoning named a Russian agent sent to spy on him before he died, it is reported. Full Story Nov 26, 2006
Mr Litvinenko, who accused President Vladimir Putin of having him killed, died from a massive dose of alpha radiation. He had been investigating the October murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, another critic of Putin's government. (Sky News)
Spy's death brings radioactive and political fallout Nov 26, 2006
The Health Protection Agency stressed that the risk to hospital staff was extremely low, as alpha radiation from the former agent's body would need to be breathed in, swallowed, or enter an open wound before causing harm. Normal hospital practices should prevent this. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Germans Want Council of Europe Involved in Litvinenko Inquiry Nov 26, 2006
Newspapers across Europe voiced suspicions Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime was involved, counter-terrorism police are investigating how a large quantity of alpha radiation from polonium 210 came to be in Litvinenko's urine. The Foreign Office in London said late Friday it had contacted the authorities in Moscow over the case, which was being treated as a "very serious matter." A spokeswoman said the government had appealed to the Kremlin to help British police... (Yahoo News -- Espionage & Intelligence)
Spy death: Britain appeals for calm Nov 26, 2006
Litvinenko's death is being linked to the discovery of alpha radiation from polonium 210 in his urine and police have also found traces of it in two locations where he met contacts shortly before being struck down on 1 November. Members of the public who visited the Itsu sushi bar on Piccadilly and the Millennium Hotel in Grosvenor Square on that day are now being asked to contact Britain's National Health Service. (iAfrica.com)
UK public offered urine tests after death of ex-Russian agent Nov 26, 2006
" No arrests have been made in connection with the inquiry. The post mortem examination on Mr Litvinenko's body has been delayed while a risk assessment is carried out to see if it is safe to perform the procedure, and if so, what precautions are necessary. The inquest into his death will open at some point in the coming days at St Pancras Coroner's Court in north London. The Foreign Office said it had discussed the issue with Russian diplomats. But a spokeswoman denied reports that it had... (24dash.com)
Radioactive death ignites British health scare Nov 26, 2006
Mr Litvinenko's death is being linked to the discovery of alpha radiation from polonium 210 in his urine, and police have also found traces of it in two locations where he met contacts shortly before falling ill on November 1. Members of the public who visited the Itsu sushi bar, in Piccadilly, and the Millennium Hotel, in Grosvenor Square, that day are being asked to contact health authorities. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Video may hold clue to spy poisoning Nov 26, 2006
Anti-terrorism officers were also on Saturday investigating how alpha radiation from polonium-210 came to be in Alexander Litvinenko's urine. Traces of the material have been found at places where he ate and met other spies just before falling ill, British authorities said. (CNN -- World)
Latin America: // Nov 26, 2006
But Litvinenko's death Thursday in London from what a British doctor termed "a large quantity of alpha radiation from polonium-210" is a sinister reminder that, in Russia, old ways die hard. Litvinenko was a high-profile critic of Putin's government. (Investors Business Daily)
Spotlight on 'secret agent' in Russian spy saga Nov 26, 2006
Alexander Litvinenko's suspicious demise is being linked to the discovery of alpha radiation from polonium 210 in his urine and police have also found traces of it in two locations where he met contacts shortly before his fatal illness started on November 1. Counter-terrorism police are tracing witnesses, tracking Litvinenko's movements, identifying people he may have met, examining closed circuit television footage, and an interview with a newspaper. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Traces of killer substance at London hotel Nov 26, 2006
Unlike these elements, polonium-210 also emits large amounts of alpha radiation. Alpha particles are undetectable by Geiger counters unless the equipment is used at close quarters and without any barrier, such as flesh or even paper. (TimesOnline)
Russian ambassador quizzed over ex-spy's death Nov 25, 2006
British officials say large quantities of alpha radiation, probably from a highly radioactive substance called polonium 210, were found in Mr Litvinenko's urine. One official described it as an 'unprecedented event' and clearly a case of deliberate poisoning, but it is still not clear who might have been behind it. (ABC News Online, Australia -- World)
Radiation Health Alert People who visited a hotel and sushi bar on the same day as a poisoned former Russian spy are being urged to contact a health helpline. Full Story Nov 25, 2006
Mr Litvinenko, who accused President Vladimir Putin of having him killed, died from a massive dose of alpha radiation. Mr Litvinenko fell ill after going to a sushi bar. (Sky News)
Before dying, ex-Russian spy accused Putin Nov 25, 2006
Roger Cox, director of the Health Protection Agency's center for radiation, chemicals and environmental hazards, said a large quantity of alpha radiation had been found in Litvinenko's urine. Referring to the effects of polonium 210, he said: "If that enters the body by ingestion, then it will rapidly track through the body and go to most major organs," causing "tissue damage characteristic of radiation.". (International Herald Tribune)
Related: What is polonium-210 and how can it kill you? Nov 25, 2006
Chris Lloyd, a British radiation protection adviser, said it would be relatively easy to smuggle polonium into a country, because its alpha radiation would not set off radiation detectors. Polonium is so rare that only about 100 grams is believed to be produced each year, said Dr. Mike Keir, a radiation protection adviser at Royal Victoria Infirmary. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Kremlin critic killed by tiniest 'nuclear bomb' Nov 25, 2006
As remarkable details came out yesterday, it emerged police had called in the Health Protection Agency on Thursday night, after Mr Litvinenko's urine sample revealed "significant, large" traces of alpha radiation. Traces of polonium-210, an emitter of alpha radiation, were also found in Mr Litvinenko's home, a sushi restaurant where he had met a contact, Mario Scaramella, on November 1, and the Millennium Hotel in central London, where he had met a Russian former intelligence official, Andrei... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Radiation found at restaurant, hotel, home of ex-Russian spy Nov 25, 2006
The HPA announced at a news conference earlier Friday that a 'large quantity' of alpha radiation 'probably from a substance called polonium 210' had been detected in Litvinenko's urine. Police said in a statement that the material was identified following 'extensive tests' by forensic toxicologists. (Forbes -- Business)
Hunt for source of substance begins Nov 25, 2006
"While the family and friends grieve the death of the former KGB agent, who arrived in Britain in October 2000 fleeing a corruption prosecution in Russia, the investigation into his death drew in the anti- terrorist branch of Scotland Yard, MI5, MI6, and the Health Protection Agency.Officers are still seeking anyone who came into contact with Mr Litvinenko but will not reveal whether they have interviewed either Mario Scaramella, the contact he met at the sushi restaurant, or Andrei Lugovoi and... (Guardian Unlimited)
Radiation kills ex-KGB spy Nov 25, 2006
Chris Lloyd, a British radiation protection adviser, said it would be relatively easy to smuggle polonium into the country, because its alpha radiation would not set off radiation detectors. Doctors treating Litvinenko had said Thursday that they could not explain his rapid decline. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
A victim of state terror Nov 25, 2006
Cobra, the Cabinet's emergency security committee, met yesterday after toxicologists confirmed that the 43-year-old former KGB colonel had a large dose of alpha radiation in his body. The committee chaired by John Reid, the Home Secretary, considered the risk to the public after the discovery of radioactive material in a Central London sushi bar and at the Millennium Hotel, near the US embassy in Grosvenor Square, where Mr Litvinenko held meetings on November 1. (TimesOnline)
Basic science knowledge lacking in Ohio Apr 29, 2006
This realization came to me this week in geology lecture when the instructor asked students in the class what exactly alpha radiation is ... Alpha radiation is actually a charged helium nucleus: two protons and two neutrons in a cluster ... Presto - alpha radiation. (Ohio State University -- The Lantern, OH)
