DEATH BY POLONIUM POISONING There is recent news flash of poisoning of Sunanda Puskar of possible cause of polonium poisoning, but it has definitely not been conclusive The viscera is to be sent outside as sophisticated analysis is not available at hand
The widely reported and investigated case of this nature is that of Litinenko a Russian agent who worked for the Britain, Only when suspect is Po210 an expert analyst can track its trail which trail and contamination was found in the hotel and those who administered it and everywhere everywhere. Arafat was another leader believed to have been similarly poisoned with fingers pointing towards Israel and possible USA involvement was concluded similarly It is produced in a nuclear reactor by bombarding bismuth 209 with neutrons, Hence only Govt with civilian and military establishment can have access in that concentrated form. Russia is highest producer of Po210 between 85gms to 100 gms a year. It was discovered by Marie and Piere Curie in 1898 It emits alpha particles that cannot penetrate skin or even a paper hence easily evades e radioactive detectors It is harmful only when ingested or enter wound or cut in the skin It is easy to conceal and transport It is 100% perfect poison and not available off shelf .It could be carried as crystalised powder or diluted in liquid bottles even in pocket as an innocuous substance and identification needs experts When mixed with beverages in small quantities it is tasteless, colourless to alert the victim .Handling it is also a trained and extremely risky job It causes illness and within 3 weeks certain death, The +ve alpha particles penetrate and damage vital organs causing multiple organ dis functioning. The size of a dot of this isotope is believed to be 3400 lethal The outward symptoms are not specific like nausea, vomiting ,diarrhea, hair loss, throat swelling, easily mistaken and resemble poisoning with much less powerful lethal substances and thus has the ability to conceal, confuse and mask itself perfectly Human body dilutes it before excreting , but trail is left for discerning analyst with special equipment, if suspected. Obtaining such a poison is highly secretive, confidential and administering it is a perfect trained job, otherwise it will lead to contamination of the place and persons who come in contact with surroundings and objects one can hazard a guess as to who can obtain it and at what costs. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim
