Fourth annual report of RADMIL 1988/89

Radioactive Monitoring in Lancashire's earlier reports on the consequences of Chernobyl pollution identified downward trends in radiation levels and radioactive contamination in the months following the arrival of the Chernobyl 'cloud'. The current report confirms earlier findings and RADMIL's earlier assessment of the consequences of Chernobyl pollution on Lancashire remains unchanged. Nuclear discharges to the marine environment continue to be detectable. Some measurements in fish, shellfish and sedimentary materials showed the presence of small amounts of radioactive contamination which was below relevant guidelines or limits for these materials, and of the same order as the previous year. The RADMIL programme continues to develop to investigate the Lancashire environment and improve Lancastrians' knowledge of the radiological consequences of nature and industry on their environment. (author)