Tue Sep 17 14:00:02 UTC 2024: ## Low Levels of Radioactive Cesium Detected in Northern Norway

**Kirkenes, Norway** – The Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA) has reported the detection of low levels of radioactive Cesium-137 in air filters from Viksjøfjell and Svanhovd in northern Norway. The filters, analyzed weekly at the emergency preparedness unit in Pasvik, showed elevated levels between September 9th and 12th.

While acknowledging the levels are higher than normal, Bredo Møller of the DSA’s Emergency Preparedness unit at Svanhovd insists that they pose no risk to humans or the environment. The readings were 5 µBq/m3 at both locations.

The DSA has ruled out other radioactive isotopes and is currently conducting further analyses to determine the source of the Cesium. While several possible explanations exist, including maritime reactor operations, forest fires, and remnants of past nuclear testing, the exact origin remains unclear.

The presence of nuclear-powered submarines and icebreakers operating in the Barents Sea, as well as the recent large-scale military exercise “Ocean-2024,” have raised speculation about a potential leak from a naval reactor. However, the DSA believes small leaks during reactor start-up, maintenance, or handling of spent nuclear fuel are more likely.

Another possibility lies in the ongoing testing of the Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile at the Pankovo test site on Novaya Zemlya. Satellite images have shown increased activity at the site, including the presence of Rosatom’s Il-76 transport planes, potentially linked to the testing operations.

While the wind direction could have transported the Cesium from a distant source, the DSA will continue to monitor the situation and investigate the origin of the radioactive isotope.

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