OREANDA-NEWS  The radioactive parrot statuette was discovered by customs officers in a parcel from Germany, the radiation level from the souvenir was 20 times higher than the permissible norm, the press service of the Federal Customs Service of Russia reported.

The report notes that when checking international mail, the Yantar radiation monitoring system was activated on one of the parcels. During the analysis, radium-226 (Ra226) was detected on the surface of the souvenir. According to experts, the radionuclide may be contained in the paint covering the statuette.

"Employees of the Central Postal Customs found a radioactive ceramic parrot figurine in a parcel from Germany. The radiation level emanating from the souvenir was 20 times higher than the permissible norm," the report says.

The customs noted that the dangerous souvenir was intended for a resident of Moscow. The product was not missed and returned to the country of origin.

The press service clarified that, in accordance with sanitary and epidemiological rules and regulations, the radiation dose rate on the surface of the parcel should not exceed one microsieverth per hour.