Chernobyl fall-out

A study has been made of the deposition of radiocaesium and radioiodine in upland areas of the British Isles where restrictions on the movement of sheep following the Chernobyl reactor accident are still in operation. Caesium levels are found to vary locally depending on initial deposition patterns, soil type and vegetation type. Various treatments have been tried to bind caesium to the soil and to limit its uptake in the gut linings of sheep. A national response and incident monitoring plan has been drawn up for future radioactivity release. Upgrading the safety of nuclear power plants worldwide is recommended. (UK)