Monday, November 27, 2006

Polonium 210

I heard on NPR how Po210 is tough to get a hold of and how only people at a nuclear facility could concoct it. This is obsurd to anyone familiar with this substance. It is the main substance in a product called the Static Master Brush. This is a anti-static brush widely used in the graphic arts and photography. You can by a brush for less than $30 over the web. What follows is a copy of text from the manufacturer:

"Some additional words about safety:
We must not lose sight of the fact that Po210 is highly toxic, emits alpha particles and is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Fortunately, the matrix in which it is encased, renders probability of exposure extremely small unless the matrix is damaged by abration or grinding so as to generate dust particles that may be inhaled.

This product is generally recognized as being safe because the potential for exposure is extremely low. Obviously, we can not keep someone from trying to cut this product open and perhaps metallographicall polishing it. So there are limits to what we can guarantee. When all factors are considered, we truly believe this product to be safe if used as instructed. 1" Wide Brush by Staticmaster®"

I forwarded this not only to NPR but also Scotland Yard Drug Directorate.

Remember Occam's Razor?

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