July 4th, 2012
07:46 AM ET

Arafat belongings test high for radioactivity, scientist says

Scientific tests have found unusually high levels of the radioactive substance polonium-210 in some of the personal effects of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, one of the scientists involved in the study said Wednesday.

The results do not mean that Arafat suffered radiation poisoning, François Bochud told CNN.

Some details in Arafat's medical records are not consistent with polonium poisoning, he explained.

"We have evidence there is too much polonium, but we also have hints from the medical records that this may not be the case. The only way to resolve this anomaly would be by testing the body," said Bochud, director of Institut de Radiophysique in Lausanne, Switzerland.

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Filed under: Middle East • Palestinians
soundoff (8 Responses)
  1. banasy©

    Wow.
    Why would his family even think of testing his clothing for traditional poisons, let alone for plutonium poisoning?
    What a curious gesture...I would love to know the reasoning behind it...

    July 4, 2012 at 10:24 am | Report abuse |
  2. Jeff Frank (R-Ohio) "Right Wing Insanity"

    @banasy
    Just think banasy. You too could check high for background radioactive cookies.
    Naw!

    July 4, 2012 at 11:36 am | Report abuse |
    • banasy©

      @Jeff Frank:
      Think I'll pass that citillating opportunity up, thanks!
      Happy Independence Day!

      July 4, 2012 at 1:38 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Rascal Rabble

    that russian tea is a kicker...as in a bucket kicker...

    July 4, 2012 at 1:23 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Rascal Rabble

    we are going back to medieval, heinous times? radioactive poisonings should be considered an international threat and international crime punishable by international tribunal death...

    July 4, 2012 at 1:30 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Mercedes Roussel

    I just cannot believe that CNN, such a successful and reliable news channel, can air this kind of BS....such unreliable data and comment on it. It is based on absolutely nothing, yet Israel is probably going to be blamed on it.. I have to admit that I am extremely disappointed by CNN. I am wondering what is the percentage of data you are making news of is the same quality as this!!!!

    July 5, 2012 at 3:44 pm | Report abuse |
  6. kenney

    Hey everyone how is life here Âż finally rested up myself.....venezuela.....then off to turkey and finnaly home nice to be back US side

    October 28, 2012 at 1:47 am | Report abuse |
  7. Name*gallows

    ... And you leaving this to white guys to figure it out...? I can tell you what the result will be...

    Negative!!

    November 25, 2012 at 3:22 am | Report abuse |
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