Toxic chemicals and radioactive thorium found in Prague 4 house

Firefighters intervened this afternoon after hazardous chemicals were discovered in a house on Nad Studánkou Street in Prague 4. Among the substances found were toxic arsenic, cyanide, mercury, radioactive thorium, and picric acid, which was historically used as an explosive.

A specialized chemical unit removed the dangerous substances for disposal, while a bomb disposal expert handled the explosives for controlled detonation. The operation concluded around 3:45 p.m., according to Prague fire brigade spokesperson Vojtěch Rotschedl.

The glass vials containing the chemicals were found during a basement clean-up. According to firefighters, there was no danger to residents, as the quantities were small. A chemical unit from Kamenice in the Central Bohemian Region was called to the scene, along with a bomb disposal expert due to the presence of picric acid. The State Office for Nuclear Safety was also informed. The building’s inner courtyard was closed off during the operation.