A Teenager’s Bold Experiment
In 1994, David Hahn, a 17-year-old from Michigan, embarked on a dangerous science experiment. Fascinated by chemistry and inspired by the Boy Scouts’ Atomic Energy merit badge, he attempted to build a nuclear reactor in his backyard shed.
Collecting Radioactive Materials
David scavenged materials from household items and commercial products, such as smoke detectors, clocks, and camping lanterns. Using information from library books and government documents, he extracted radioactive isotopes like radium and thorium.
The Reactor’s Construction
David assembled a makeshift neutron source, aiming to create a functional breeder reactor. The process generated radiation levels far above safety limits, prompting concerns when neighbors noticed unusual activity near the shed.
A Federal Response
Authorities discovered the project after David’s car was stopped for unrelated reasons. The Environmental Protection Agency intervened, declaring his shed a hazardous materials site. It was dismantled and buried as radioactive waste.
In 1994, David Hahn, a 17-year-old from Michigan, embarked on a dangerous science experiment. Fascinated by chemistry and inspired by the Boy Scouts’ Atomic Energy merit badge, he attempted to build a nuclear reactor in his backyard shed.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/JLA4PoWJT7
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 16, 2025