The radiation situation

The basic results of environmental monitoring by the Central Monitoring Network of the CSFR are summed up. Volume activities of cesium isotopes from the initial fallout on soil surface amounted to units or tens of μBq/m3. A fraction of the 137Cs radioactivity originates from the global fallout following nuclear weapon tests. The volume activity of 137Cs in drinking water is hundredths to one-tenth of Bq/l and its contribution to the total intake is insignificant. Contamination of food was also examined; this included milk, meat, wheat, potatoes and eggs. Contamination of persons was measured with a whole-body counter. Overviews of the effective dose equivalent commitment values from radionuclide intake in the years after the Chernobyl accident are tabulated along with the external exposure values. A table is also presented of radionuclide releases from nuclear power plants and of the mean 137Cs and 90Sr activities in aerosols (μBq/m3) and in the monthly fallouts (Bq/kg, Bq/l) in the surroundings of nuclear power plants. (M.D.). 5 tabs., 1 fig