Rising Levels of Radioactive Cesium Detected in Norway

On the 18th, the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) detected an increase in the level of radioactive cesium (Cs-137) near the border with Russia in the Arctic Circle.

The DSA measured “very low” levels of radioactive cesium in Svanhoft, near the Russian border, between September and the 16th of this month, and in Viksjofjel between May and the 12th. The authority added that there was no risk to people or the environment.

According to the DSA, “Caesium is constantly detected at all observation stations in Norway, and in many cases, it is caused by radioactive dust spread by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.” The authority also stated that “in this case, it’s possible that the fires around Chernobyl were the cause.”

Meanwhile, the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority announced that all eight observation stations had detected slightly higher than normal levels of cesium. The highest level observed was 11 microbecquerel per cubic meter, and the observatory usually detects less than 1 microbecquerel per cubic meter.

The agency noted that “the amount found is very small.” The Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in April 1986 released a large amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere, spreading iodine-131, cesium-134, and cesium-137 to northern Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and parts of Northern and Central Europe.

Background on the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident occurred in April 1986 in the former Soviet Union. Reactor No. 4 went out of control, causing an explosion and fire that destroyed the reactor building and released a large amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere.

Radioactive Cesium and Its Effects

Radioactive cesium (Cs-137) is a byproduct of nuclear fission and has a half-life of approximately 30 years. It can contaminate soil, water, and air, and can have serious health effects if ingested or inhaled.