Mysterious spike in radioactive particles across Europe baffles scientists

Published time: 10 Oct, 2017 14:56

Radiation monitors have detected radioactive particles in the air across Europe, although the source remains a mystery.

Germany’s Office for Radiation Protection reported increased radioactivity in parts of Central and Western Europe over the last week. The heightened levels were detected at several trace measuring stations in Europe, and at six locations in Germany.

The particles are ruthenium-106, an isotope used in cancer radiation therapy for eye tumors and at times in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) which provide power to satellites. An increase of ruthenium-106 has been detected in the air in Austria, France, Germany.

https://www.rt.com/news/406260-radioactive-particles-europe-spike/