Causes of increased radiation on the Norwegian border are named – Russian missile tests are not ruled out
18 September 2024 14:31
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Norway has recorded an increase in radiation on the border with Russia. This is reported by Barrents Observer with reference to the Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA). Traces of the radioactive isotope were detected between 9 and 12 September. What is the reason for the increase in radiation and whether it is significant enough to sound the alarm, "Komersant Ukrainian" found out together with Mark Zheleznyak, Professor of the Institute of Radioecology at Fukushima University.
Traces of cesium-137 were detected in samples from the Vikshefjell and Svanhovd radiation monitoring stations, The Barents Observer reports.
It is known that cesium is released during the decay of uranium-235, which is used as fuel for nuclear reactors and as a “filling” for nuclear weapons. Consequently, a number of experts have linked the increase in radiation to Russia’s nuclear weapons tests. However, let’s take it one step at a time.
Can the source The Barrents Observer be trusted?
Some nuclear energy experts were quick to call the information about radiation that quickly spread through Telegram channels a fake.
In an exclusive commentary , Mark Zheleznyak, professor at the Institute of Radioecology at Fukushima University, notes that the source of The Barrents Observer deserves attention.
“This is a Norwegian organisation that looks very closely at the situation, particularly in the Barents Sea. They refer to a state institution that is analogous to our State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine,” said Mark Zheleznyak.
Although this information is not available on the official website of the institution, it means that the increase in radiation is not significant and the state is not creating panic, Zheleznyak said
How significant is the increase in radiation?
The DSA clarifies that the amount of cesium-137 in the samples was low and exceeded normal values by about 5 microbecquerels per cubic metre. A professor at Fukushima University’s Institute of Radioecology explains what such contamination means with a simple example.
“Radiation in small doses has no effect, as an analogy, we can detect half a degree or a degree of alcohol in kefir, but even if you drink three litres of this kefir, there will be no effect on the body. It is the same with radiation. The levels that are reported are measured, but they do not pose a threat,” explained Mark Zheleznyak
Moreover, except for the Norwegians, no other neighbouring countries have recorded an increase, so the radiation level is not alarming.
What could have caused the radiation?
A professor at the Institute of Radioecology at Fukushima University reminds us of the periodic rattling of nuclear weapons by Russia. It is known that on 16 September, the Russian Navy’s large-scale Ocean-2024 exercise ended, which could theoretically be linked to an increase in radiation.
“Russia’s scarecrow is the Burevestnik project, a nuclear-powered missile that is a greater threat to Russia itself than to its neighbours. And the Norwegians have been recording activity in recent weeks in Novaya Zemlya, where the launch site for this missile is located,” Mark Zheleznyak reminded.
However, the professor emphasises that these are only guesses, as there are no threats at such micro-levels.
Another aspect of this news is Russia’s desire to intimidate the world once again.
“The Russians have one last trick up their sleeve, which they use to warn Europeans and Americans not to cross imaginary ‘red lines’. It is beneficial for Russia to be reminded that it can pollute half the world,” said Mark Zheleznyak.
The Barents Sea is highly militarised
In the 90s, Mark Zheleznyak and a team of scientists studied the level of pollution in the Barents Sea. He reminds us that there are many sources of radioactivity in this region. He says that in Soviet times, thermonuclear weapons were tested in the open air, and there were underground explosions.
“In the Barents Sea, unrecycled old nuclear reactors were sunk in Soviet times. It was a very simple way to bury the unnecessary. And it was not only submarines,” said Mark Zheleznyak.
In particular, today the reactor of the nuclear icebreaker Lenin is underwater. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, experts began to explore the facility.
“I also took part in these calculations in the early 90s. A working group of Norwegian, English and former Soviet scientists (Russians, Ukrainians) was set up. We were in Moscow and worked with the people who flooded these reactors. Calculations have shown that even if they continue to leak, the radiation level will be low,” said Mark Zheleznyak.
Nuclear paradox
Back in 2017, at the annual conference of the Arctic peoples, Putin made a speech about environmental protection. Before that, he personally inspected the results of the removal of 42,000 tonnes of scrap from the Franz Josef Land archipelago as part of the “Arctic clean-up”.
- Nevertheless, hiding behind the image of a defender of the Arctic ecosystem, Putin is building up his nuclear capabilities.
- While cleaning up the rusty Soviet nuclear legacy in the far north, Putin regularly launches new nuclear icebreakers and the world’s only floating nuclear power plant, making Arctic waters once again the “most nuclear” on the planet.
- Advocating for the purity of the Arctic, Putin announces that Russia has tested a nuclear-capable Burevestnik missile.
Author: Anastasia Fedor
