[ RadSafe ] UK finds radiation at more sites after ex-spy death

[Sandy Perle]

UK finds radiation at more sites after ex-spy death 

LONDON (Reuters) - Traces of radiation have been found at several 
more sites in London during investigations into the death of a former 
KGB spy last week, British Home Secretary John Reid said on Monday. 
 
Reid told parliament the traces had been found at "several other 
premises" in addition to Alexander Litvinenko's home and a hotel and 
restaurant he visited on November 1, the day he fell ill. Significant 
amounts of Polonium 210 were found in his body.

Before he died, Litvinenko accused Russian President Vladimir Putin 
of murdering him. Russia denies any involvement.

Reid did not name the contaminated locations. Media reports cited a 
central London office block and an address in the capital's exclusive 
Mayfair district. Police declined comment.

Health officials have said Polonium 210 is dangerous only if it is 
swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through a wound. Reid said there was 
"no need for public alarm."

But his comments deepened the mystery over how and where Litvinenko 
ingested the poison that caused his agonizing death, causing his hair 
to fall out and gradually shutting down his vital organs.

The possible contamination of members of the public has heaped 
pressure on the government to explain what it knows about 
Litvinenko's death.

Some 500 people have called a hotline for health advice since 
Litvinenko's death, the minister said.

A spokeswoman for Britain's Health Protection Agency said three 
people had been referred to a clinic for radiological assessment. She 
declined to comment on their symptoms.

Police are investigating the case as a suspicious death and the 
affair has raised tension between London and Moscow.

The Kremlin has described Litvinenko's murder allegation as 
ridiculous, and Putin said the death was being used for "political 
provocation."

Senior cabinet minister Peter Hain on Sunday condemned "murky 
murders" that had taken place in Putin's Russia and criticized "huge 
attacks" there on individual freedoms and democracy.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's official spokesman said on Monday it was 
premature to jump to conclusions.

"The prime minister and other ministers have repeatedly underlined 
our concern about some aspects of human rights in Russia," he said. 
"In terms of this particular case, however, we do have to proceed 
carefully. There is a police investigation ongoing and we have to 
await the outcome."

Litvinenko left the KGB's main successor, the Federal Security 
Service, came to Britain with his wife and son in 2000, was granted 
asylum and became a British citizen last month.

Local authorities said an inquest into his death was expected to open 
on Thursday.

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Sandy Perle
Senior Vice President, Technical Operations
Global Dosimetry Solutions, Inc.
2652 McGaw Avenue
Irvine, CA 92614 

Tel: (949) 296-2306 / (888) 437-1714  Extension 2306
Fax:(949) 296-1144

E-Mail: sperle at dosimetry.com
E-Mail: sandyfl at earthlink.net 

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