Norway records increased radiation levels on the border with Russia

The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) has recorded an increase in radiation levels on the border with Russia. Traces of cesium-137 have been detected.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to The Barents Observer.

According to the DSA, traces of cesium-137 were detected at two radiation monitoring stations - Vikshofjell and Svanhove. The radioactive isotope is formed as a result of the decay of uranium-235, which is used in nuclear reactor fuel and nuclear weapons.

The agency claims that the amount of cesium is “very low”. However, it exceeded normal levels of about 5 microbecquerels per cubic meter.

It is noted that the radioactive isotope was detected between September 9 and 12 only at stations near the Norwegian-Russian border. Other observation posts in northern Norway and Lapland did not detect an increase in radiation levels. There have also been no reports of cesium-137 in Russia.

The DSA noted that the source of cesium-137 contamination remains unknown. However, several nuclear icebreakers and submarines operate in the Barents Sea. On September 16, the large-scale strategic exercise Ocean-2024 ended there.

However, experts believe it is unlikely that the leakage of cesium-137 was caused by problems with the ships' reactors.

Another possible cause could be the testing of a Russian nuclear-powered Burevestnik missile. The launch site for this missile is located on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the USSR used to conduct nuclear tests.

According to Barents Observer, Russian nuclear experts were actively working on Novaya Zemlya in the summer and early fall. Special Rosatom vessels were spotted in the region, and Il-76 transport aircraft landed at the Rohachevo military airfield.

According to Bredo Møller of the DSA's emergency response unit, cesium could also come from forest fires.

Fallout from the 1986 Chernobyl accident and even nuclear tests in the atmosphere before 1962 can still be measured in nature. Cesium-137 has a half-life of about 30 years.

Author - Olena Madiak, 17/09/2024