A Norwegian air quality measurement station has detected small amounts of radioactive iodine at the borderline area between Norway and Russia, the country’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency (DSA) reports.
Its concentration is not harmful to human health, the experts say.
The samples were taken on August, 9-12. According to the agency, it is not yet possible to determine whether the radioactive emission detected was related to an accident the Russian Navy’s training ground in Arkhangelsk region, where a nuclear-powered rocket engine exploded on August, 8.
“The measurement outputs are comparable to those obtained previously. Norwegian monitoring stations detect radioactive iodine 6-8 times per year, its source is usually unknown. If, apart from iodine, no other radioactive substances are found, the most likely source of emissions is a facility producing pharmaceuticals containing radioactive iodine,” the statement reads.
The agency keeps collecting and testing samples.
