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Toxic metal poisons Russia troops
BBC On-Line ^ | June 11,2004 | staff writer

Posted on 06/11/2004 1:55:45 PM PDT by yankeedame

Toxic metal poisons Russia troops

Doctors in Russia are treating at least 25 servicemen who have been poisoned with the highly toxic metal thallium.

They found the powdery substance in a can at a dump near their base in Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East.

Unaware of the danger, the conscripts added it to the tobacco they smoked, and used it as talcum powder on their feet, military officials said.

Several of the soldiers are said to be in a very serious condition, with their hair falling out.

They were flown to St Petersburg Academy of Military Medicine on Friday.

An army source told Interfax news agency the soldiers had used the thallium powder "for dusting their foot wraps in order to sweat less".

"They also sniffed the chemical and added it to their tobacco," he added.

Thallium - a toxic substance that is banned in some countries such as the US - is sometimes used in rat poison.

Extensive exposure can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs, as well as hair loss.

The Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation for breach of public health regulations.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; Russia
KEYWORDS:
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1 posted on 06/11/2004 1:55:46 PM PDT by yankeedame
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To: yankeedame

I'm pinging myself for a later read!


2 posted on 06/11/2004 1:56:30 PM PDT by Sunshine Sister
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To: yankeedame

Unbelievable.


3 posted on 06/11/2004 1:57:09 PM PDT by Darksheare (enthusiasm + energy * willpower / time available = probability of trouble/discovery)
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To: yankeedame
They also sniffed the chemical and added it to their tobacco," he added.

No way!

4 posted on 06/11/2004 1:57:46 PM PDT by BenLurkin
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To: mhking

Just...Well, you know!


5 posted on 06/11/2004 1:58:02 PM PDT by JennysCool ("I'm not worried about the deficit. It's big enough to take care of itself." - RWR)
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To: yankeedame

And to think we every worried about the Russian Army.

Hold muh Vodka and watch this Comrade.


6 posted on 06/11/2004 1:59:06 PM PDT by MineralMan (godless atheist)
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To: yankeedame

Oh, for the love of Mike.


7 posted on 06/11/2004 1:59:19 PM PDT by Xenalyte (It's not often you see Johnny Mathis in the wild.)
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To: yankeedame
The Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation for breach of public health regulations.

That'll learn 'em.

8 posted on 06/11/2004 2:00:25 PM PDT by Texas Eagle (If it wasn't for double-standards, Liberals would have no standards at all)
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To: yankeedame

I'm guessing they thought it was inert and added it to their tobacco to make it last longer. I mean, otherwise... how dumb do you gotta be?


9 posted on 06/11/2004 2:00:57 PM PDT by kevkrom (Reagan lives on... as long as we stay true to his legacy)
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To: yankeedame

Ain't nuthin like a thallium buzz.


10 posted on 06/11/2004 2:01:49 PM PDT by cripplecreek (you tell em i'm commin.... and hells commin with me.)
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To: yankeedame
They probably thought it was safe. After all, thallium is probably not 'indigenous' to that part of Russia. So how could it be harmful?

LOL

11 posted on 06/11/2004 2:02:21 PM PDT by Petronski (I'm not always cranky.)
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To: yankeedame

Did they kick it?


12 posted on 06/11/2004 2:03:15 PM PDT by eastforker (All those in favor of abortion have already been born. Ronald Reagan)
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To: Darksheare
Hummmmmmmmmm? Well I have visited these places and I'm not so sure that this incorrect. When you leave the US you aren't in Kansas anymore.
13 posted on 06/11/2004 2:03:26 PM PDT by WHBates
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To: dighton; mhking; martin_fierro; nuconvert; Thinkin' Gal

Reminds me of 'venomous snakes' PING!


14 posted on 06/11/2004 2:04:25 PM PDT by Petronski (I'm not always cranky.)
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To: eastforker

"Hot Dog! Them things is huge!"


15 posted on 06/11/2004 2:05:13 PM PDT by Petronski (I'm not always cranky.)
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To: yankeedame

An army source told Interfax news agency the soldiers had used the thallium powder "for dusting their foot wraps in order to sweat less".

One notes they still don't use sox but the traditional
triangular pieces of cloth.


16 posted on 06/11/2004 2:05:28 PM PDT by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
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To: Texas Eagle
The Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation for breach of public health regulations.

That'll learn 'em.

=================

LOL! Yes, sirree, Tex! There's nothing like a fine and 20 hours of community service to set a body back on the straight and narrow.

17 posted on 06/11/2004 2:05:35 PM PDT by yankeedame ("Born with the gift of laughter & a sense that the world was mad.")
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To: yankeedame

Please include original titles.
Thanks.


18 posted on 06/11/2004 2:05:40 PM PDT by Admin Moderator
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To: WHBates

I figured that common sense says not to put unknown white powder found in metal drums on yourself and not to smoke it.


19 posted on 06/11/2004 2:12:00 PM PDT by Darksheare (enthusiasm + energy * willpower / time available = probability of trouble/discovery)
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To: yankeedame
Do we BAKE it??? No, No, NO!!!


20 posted on 06/11/2004 2:15:02 PM PDT by Hatteras
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