30 Years On From Chernobyl Disaster, Reindeer In Norway Are Still Radioactive
Nearly three decades after the Chernobyl disaster, wildlife is still paying the price, with radioactive reindeer among the worst hit.
Despite being more than 1,000 miles away from the site of the worst nuclear disaster in history, the Norwegian reindeers’ radioactive levels have spiked in recent years.
Following a reactor meltdown at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on 26 April 1986, in what is now Ukraine, a radioactive cloud formed over areas of Europe, including Norway.
The radioactive dust then found its way into the soil when it rained or snowed, subsequently accumulating in the lichen and fungus that make up the vast majority of the reindeers’ diet.
This year has seen a particular large mushroom crop which scientists believe is responsible for the spike in radiation levels among the reindeer.
As a result many of the reindeer contain levels of radiation that are well above the legal limit allowed by the EU.
This has proved to be problematic for the indigenous Sami people in Norway, who rely on the reindeer for sustenance.
Reindeer meat is widely eaten in Norway and nearby countries.
Scientists predict that it could be many years before the animals are free of radiation.
Image credit: Alfons Hauke / imageBROKER/REX/Shutterstock
