Scavengers Found Glowing Blue Powder That Killed 4 People

Added: 2026-05-18

[00:00:00]In 1987, two scavengers in Brazil found what looked like valuable scrap metal.

[00:00:05]They broke it open to see what was inside. What they released would contaminate hundreds and kill four people. The metal container held cesium 137, a deadly radioactive powder that glowed beautiful blue in the dark. Locals were fascinated. They rubbed it on their skin like glitter. Parents gave it to their children. Families shared the magical glowing dust with friends. They had no idea they were spreading death. Entire city blocks had to be demolished. The radioactive waste still sits in storage today.