The aftermath of Chernobyl in Sweden: Levels of 137Cs in foodstuffs

The insertion and subsequent accumulation of radioactive substances in ecosystem focuses attention on a highly complex set of natural processes. In a health perspective, it poses particular concern for the food chain. In order to issue action guidelines and to reduce the doses from intake of contaminated food, an extensive program of measurements was started. The primary aim of the monitoring was to obtain a detailed survey of contents of radionuclides in a wide variety of foodstuffs, including vegetables, fruits, edible wild plants, dairy products, wild and tame animals. The results presented in this report cover the period May-November 1986 and concern only the food samples collected in order to be able to issue recommendations to the public in the most contaminated areas. (orig./PW)