Driven by a fascination with nuclear physics, Hahn embarked on a project to build a homemade breeder reactor in his mother's potting shed. He acquired radioactive materials through resourceful, and sometimes deceptive, means, including collecting small amounts of radioactive elements from household items.

As Hahn's project progressed, radiation levels in the potting shed and surrounding area began to increase significantly, raising concerns among neighbors and family members.

Hahn was pulled over by police while in possession of radioactive materials. This incident led to an investigation by local authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA, concerned about the extent of radioactive contamination, designated Hahn's mother's property as a Superfund site and initiated a cleanup operation. The cleanup process involved removing the contaminated potting shed and surrounding soil.