Norway detects increased radiation levels at border with Russia
Photo: Norway detects increased radiation levels at the border with Russia (Getty Images)
The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) has recorded an increase in radiation levels at the border with Russia. Traces of cesium-137 have been detected, The Barents Observer informs.
According to DSA, traces of cesium-137 were detected at two radiation monitoring stations—Viksjøfjell and Svanhovd. This radioactive isotope forms 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 detected is "very low," but it exceeded usual levels—about 5 micro becquerels per cubic meter.
It is noted that the radioactive isotope was found between September 9 and 12 only at stations near the Norway-Russia border. Other monitoring stations in northern Norway and Lapland did not report increased radiation levels. There have also been no reports of cesium-137 presence within Russia.
DSA has stated that the source of the cesium-137 contamination remains unknown. However, several nuclear icebreakers and submarines operate in the Barents Sea. The large-scale strategic exercise Okean-2024 concluded there on September 16.
However, experts consider it unlikely that the cesium-137 leak was due to issues with reactors on ships.
Another possible cause could be the testing of the Russian missile with a nuclear engine, the Burevestnik (Petrel). The launch site for this missile is located in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, where the USSR previously conducted nuclear tests.
According to Barents Observer, Russian nuclear specialists have been actively working in Novaya Zemlya during the summer and early fall. Special ships from Rosatom have been spotted in the region, and IL-76 transport planes have landed at the Rogachevo military airfield.
Bredo Møller from DSA's emergency division stated that cesium might also originate from forest fires.
Fallout from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and even atmospheric nuclear tests before 1962 can still be detected in nature. Cesium-137 has a half-life of about 30 years.
It should be noted that last year it was revealed that Russia is preparing to test its intercontinental cruise missile Burevestnik, which could carry a nuclear warhead.
