The claim
Rumors circulated on social networks that after an explosion in Khmelnytskyi, presumably in a weapons depot, radioactivity levels in the region and neighboring Poland had increased sharply. Some claimed this was due to destroyed uranium munitions and showed graphs that supposedly showed an unusual increase in radiation.
Our conclusion
After extensive investigations and checks by Polish and Ukrainian authorities as well as independent fact-checkers, the rumors have been shown to be unfounded. There were no unusual increases in radiation in the affected areas
Rumors of increased radiation levels spread on social media following an explosion in Khmelnytskyi, a city in western Ukraine. But is there really any truth to these claims?
The rumors:
In the days following the explosion in Khmelnytskyi, claims circulated on social networks that radiation levels had increased sharply both in the Ukrainian city itself and in neighboring Polish Lublin. Some users suspected that destroyed uranium ammunition was responsible for the increase.
The fact check:
Both Polish and Ukrainian authorities quickly denied these claims and clarified that no unusually high levels of radiation were detected. The Polish Atomic Energy Agency said the slightly elevated levels were due to natural rains stirring up the isotope bismuth-214 and washing it out of the air. The agency also emphasized that bismuth-214 is not used in any industry, including the defense industry. ( Source )
The Maria Curie Skłodowska University in Lublin, from which the measurements originally came, confirmed this statement. She explained that the slight increase in readings was related to the rainfall in the city on the day of the explosion and in the days after. ( Source )
In addition, graphics showing bismuth measurements over a certain period of time were distributed on social media. However, these graphs were misleading due to their time scale, as they did not show the regularly elevated readings for bismuth in the past. In fact, on many days in the last twelve months, measured radiation levels were higher than on the day of the explosion. ( Source )

The Ukrainian authorities also commented on the rumors. The military administration of the Khmelnytsky region called the claims "fake information" and clarified that no deviations from the norms for radiation and other life-threatening substances were detected in the region. ( Source )
Summary of the fact check:
Claim : After the Khmelnytsky explosion, an increase in radioactive radiation was detected in Khmelnytsky and Lublin.
Fact check : Polish and Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that no unusual radiation was detected. Slight increases are attributed to natural phenomena such as rainfall.
Claim : The increased radiation is due to destroyed uranium ammunition.
Fact check : The Polish Atomic Energy Agency clarified that the isotope bismuth-214, whose readings were slightly elevated, occurs naturally on the earth's surface and in the atmosphere and is not used in the defense industry.
Claim : Graphics shared on social media showed an unusual increase in radiation.
Fact Check : These graphs were misleading because they did not show the regularly elevated bismuth readings from the past. In fact, on many days in the past twelve months the measured radiation levels were higher than on the day of the explosion.
Claim : Ukrainian authorities have confirmed elevated radiation levels.
Fact check : The military administration of the Khmelnytskyi region denied these claims, calling them “fake information.” She emphasized that no deviations from radiation norms were detected in the region.
Conclusion: The rumors about increased radiation in Khmelnytskyi and Lublin after the explosion are unfounded. The slight increase in readings for the isotope bismuth-214 can be explained by natural phenomena such as rainfall, and both Polish and Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that there is no cause for concern.
This case once again shows the importance of obtaining information from reliable sources and not relying on unfounded claims on social media. Thorough fact-checking is essential to avoid false information and scaremongering.
Sources: DPA , own research
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Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )

