Norway has recorded a radiation jump on the border with the Russian Federation: what can it mean

According to DSA, two radiation monitoring stations-Wikshofiell and Swanch-found traces of cesium-137, radioactive isotope, which is formed as a result of the breakdown of uranium-235, which is used in atomic reactors and nuclear weapons. Despite the fact that the level of cesium-137 was low, it exceeded the usual indicators-about 5 microbckerels per cubic meter, Brado Meller said DSA emergency situations.

The radioactive isotope was found between September 9 and 12 only at stations near the Norwegian-Russian border. Other observation posts in Northern Norway and Lapland have not found an increase in radiation. There were also no reports on the presence of cesium-137 in the territory of the Russian Federation. According to Meller, cesium can also come from forest fires. Rainfall from the Chernobyl accident in 1986 and even nuclear tests in the atmosphere by 1962 can still be measured in nature.

Cesium-137 has a half-life for about 30 years. The DSA noted that the source of contamination with Cesium-137 remains unknown. However, several atomic icebreakers and submarines have operated in the Barents Sea, and on September 16, large-scale Ocean-2024 training began. Nevertheless, experts consider it unlikely that the leakage of cesium-137 occurred due to problems with the work of reactors on ships. Another probable cause may be a Russian rocket test with a burearent nuclear engine.

The landfill for the launch of this rocket is located on the archipelago of a new land, where earlier the USSR conducted nuclear tests. According to Barents Observer, Russian nuclear specialists were actively working on the new land in the summer and early autumn. Rosatom's special vessels were spotted in the region, and Rogachevo's military airfield landed IL-76 transport planes. There have been no official confirmations on the Triminal tests yet.