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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Rachel Salvidge and Leana Hosea

Abandoned pipelines could release poisons into North Sea, scientists warn

Mercury Oil DESNZ Environment North Sea
An abandoned oil platform in the North Sea
Large volumes of mercury, radioactive lead and polonium-210 could be released into the sea if pipelines are left to decay. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA

Decaying oil and gas pipelines left to fall apart in the North Sea could release large volumes of poisons such as mercury, radioactive lead and polonium-210, notorious for its part in the poisoning of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko, scientists are warning.

Mercury, an extremely toxic element, occurs naturally in oil and gas. It sticks to the inside of pipelines and builds up over time, being released into the sea when the pipeline corrodes.

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