Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford Glowing Peril: The Magical Glitter That Poisoned a City
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Nov 24, 2023 A junk dealer in Goiânia, Brazil, unknowingly unleashes a toxic nightmare after discovering a glowing substance inside a discarded medical device. Initially mesmerized, he soon witnesses his family suffering from mysterious symptoms that escalate into a citywide health crisis. The tale dives into the unforeseen dangers of curiosity and the dire consequences of mishandling hazardous materials. It also draws parallels with historical incidents of radiation exposure, underlining the critical need for safety regulations to protect communities from hidden threats.
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The Scavengers and the Glowing Capsule
- Two scavengers in Goiânia, Brazil, salvaged a medical device containing cesium-137 from an abandoned hospital.
- They sold the lead from the device to a junk dealer, leaving behind a glowing blue, radioactive capsule.
The Spread of Cesium-137
- The junk dealer, fascinated by the glowing capsule, kept it and shared it with family and neighbours.
- Several people, including the dealer's family and a six-year-old girl, Leda, came into contact with the cesium-137.
Identifying the Danger
- As people fell ill, the junk dealer's wife suspected the glowing capsule and took it to a health center.
- A physicist, alerted by a doctor who suspected radiation burns, confirmed the presence of cesium-137.
