Finland reports elevated levels of radioactive cesium in outdoor environment

In September, Finland has recorded slightly higher levels of radioactive cesium in the outdoor environment, according to the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK). However, the concentrations detected are so low that they pose no harm to humans or the environment. Samples have been collected from various locations across Finland.

Radioactive cesium is commonly found in Finland’s outdoor air due to residual fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. The recent concentrations may be linked to wildfires in Ukraine, which have lifted radioactive materials into the atmosphere, resulting in their dispersion to Finland.

Slightly elevated levels of cesium-137 have been observed at all eight of STUK’s monitoring stations, with the southernmost stations located in Helsinki and Kotka, and the northernmost in Ivalo. Similar cesium readings have also been reported in other parts of Europe, though no locations have indicated that the levels are harmful.

Norway’s radiation safety authority, DSA, also reported its own observations on the matter yesterday, Tuesday.