Ruthenium is an isotope that exists in a variety of environments. Most of the assiciated environments are found in nuclear reactor sites that produce power. Approximately 42 scientific monitoring stations across Europe reported that an unusual amount of this isotope was found recently in the atmosphere. Fortunately, this isotope has a half-life that means it exists only briefly before becoming non-radioactive.
So, where did this particle come from? Where was its source of origin? Hmmm. One of the major indicators of the Chernobyl Reactor melt down of the '80's was a discovery of radio active isotopes in Europe's atmosphere. It was only after this discovery did Russya own up to the disaster on its soil. It is doubtful that this is being repeated. Monitoring is vastly improved. But, it's worth remembering that these particles were sourced in a remote location and found their way into the atmosphere far from its source.
We might have to set up a monitoring station in Tahoma.
Story reported on Nov. 19, 2017 by NPR.
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