Background and Context:

Abstract

In any incident of this type, knowledge of the specific agent involved is a crucial precursor to the remediation process. Polonium is essentially a pure alpha particle emitting radionuclide. This means that, to cause harm, polonium must be ingested, inhaled or injected (through wounds) into the body. The existence of polonium on floors, furniture, etc. does not in itself pose a risk to health: the polonium must be removable and transferred into the body to pose a risk. Clearly this risk may be realised as a result of the normal use of the premises or the action of contractors to remove the polonium.