Russian dies of multiple organ failure after handling nanopowder
Monday, June 30, 2008 Free Headline Alerts
A Russia scientist died shortly after handling fluid-like ultra-small particle powder, or nanopowders, according to a new report by Geostrategy-Direct.com.
The incident initially raised questions as to whether Moscow had been struck by an anthrax attack similar to the unsolved 2001 mailings in the United States.
In May two Russian institutes were sent envelops containing white nanopowder and a article on nanotechnology, according to the report.
One of the recipients, Svetlana Zheludeva, deputy director of the Institute of Crystallography in Moscow, opened the small packet of powder on May 8 that was later identified as containing silicon dioxide nanoparticles. Two days later she began suffering from headaches, nausea and weakness. She was admitted to a hospital on May 13 and died four days later. It was determined she suffered from liver damage.
Then on May 16, a letter with an article on nanotechnology and a small clear plastic box of powder labeled “silicon dioxide nanoparticles” was sent to Kuban State University in Krasnodar, addressed to Vladimir Babeshko, the rector. Police were called in.
The Russia government sought to dismiss the incidents claiming that Zhelduva died from hepatitus B, while official sources quoted in the Russian press stated she died from multiple organ failure.
Gennadi Onishchenko, chief public health inspector and head of the Federal Service for the Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor), issued an official statement the day before Zheludeva died, that officials said was suspicious.
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