Useful data for interpreting carbon-14 measurements in the terrestrial environment

Understanding the results of measurements of 14C, in particular for environmental monitoring, involves identifying some specifics of the behavior of this element. The main parameters influencing the mechanisms of incorporation of carbon in the environmental matrices and thus the measured levels of 14C are briefly reviewed. Data were acquired by the IRSN for biological samples, in zones not directly influenced by the atmospheric releases of nuclear facilities; this information allows us to present the values of the natural and artificial background, expressed as specific activity (Bq 14C /kg C), not including the influence of a local release of 14C. (authors)