The Silent Killer; Polonium

Polonium, a highly radioactive element, has garnered notoriety due to its extreme toxicity and lethal effects on the human body. Discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie in 1898, it gained infamy after being used to poison former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko in 2006. Even in minuscule amounts, polonium emits alpha particles, which can cause severe damage to tissues and organs upon ingestion or inhalation. Its effects include radiation sickness, organ failure, and an increased risk of cancer. While polonium has applications in certain industries, such as nuclear physics research, its potential for harm underscores the importance of strict safety protocols and precautions in handling this hazardous substance.