Plutonium found in Greece park

[MIannaccone@dhhs.state.nh.us]

THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) - A small amount of plutonium believed smuggled
from Eastern Europe was found buried in a park, in a possible sign of
increased trafficking of radioactive material, officials said Tuesday.
Metal plates containing about a tenth of an ounce of plutonium and
americium, another radioactive element, were found Saturday by Finance
Ministry agents acting on a tip. The ministry's fraud agency is
investigating possible link between the plutonium and a cigarette smuggling
ring from neighboring Bulgaria, police sources said. The park where the
plutonium was found is about 7 miles outside Thessaloniki, and is often
used for picnics and by joggers. The amount was far less than the plutonium
needed to make a bomb. But it raises concern of toxic contamination from
the highly dangerous substances. About 20 pounds of plutonium are used in a
bomb, according to U.S. government estimates. But other experts say just
over half that amount is needed.

Submitted by
Mario Iannaccone,
Health Physicist
miannnacc@dhhs.state.nh.us

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