Unusual Detection Across Europe
In autumn 2017, European monitors detected airborne ruthenium-106. Starting in late September, levels ranged from microbecquerels to millibecquerels per cubic meter. Though harmless to most Europeans, the released quantity could have been dangerous within several kilometers of the source.
Tracing the Source
Early analyses pointed to Eastern Europe, with evidence narrowing the origin to Southern Urals in Russia. French and German institutes ruled out reactors, suggesting the release came from a spent fuel reprocessing facility or a medical isotope production center.
Suspicions on the Mayak Plant
The Mayak plant, a key site for nuclear reprocessing, emerged as the likely origin. Russia initially denied any incidents, later admitting routine releases of ruthenium-106. Non-Russian experts cited possible failures in processing spent fuel for cerium-144 production.
Challenges in Investigation
The closed city of Ozyorsk, home to Mayak, and government restrictions hindered independent inquiries. European studies later confirmed the Southern Urals as the origin. Despite ongoing debates, the full circumstances of the incident remain unresolved.
In 2017, a radioactive cloud appeared over Europe. Ruthenium-106, a rare isotope, was detected in small amounts. Though harmless to most, the release—estimated at 300 terabecquerels—posed risks near its unknown source, likely in Eastern Europe.🧵1/4👇 pic.twitter.com/84h5dVPo9V
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) January 10, 2025