POLONIUM 210: A TALE OF FORENSICS AND HEALTH

Mental health investigations in murder cases and ‘pleading insanity' are common. Forensic investigations of toxicological substances are not uncommon. Cases involving Polonium 210 are very rare. The recent investigation of the Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko's death has attracted the attention of the public. Latest autopsy reports state that he was poisoned and Polonium 210 was detected. Detection of this radioactive substance in him is only one part of the story. Polonium 210 is very rare and it can only be manufactured in a nuclear facility. This makes the investigation more challenging. ‘Who done it' and ‘why' are the questions being investigated and the answers are not easy to come by. Because Polonium 210 is a rare radioactive substance, only countries with nuclear power plants could be considered. Who was responsible for smuggling (?) and administering the radioactive poison to Alexander Litvinenko. The motive for the murder adds one more dimension to the investigation. Russia itself is now being considered a possible suspect. Toxicology, health and forensics make this international intrigue truly unique.