Distribution of 137Cs in reindeer meat: A comparison of situations with high and low activity concentrations

Abstract

The distribution of 137Cs in reindeer tissues and organs was investigated in cases of high and low activity concentrations of 137Cs in the carcasses. The focus of the study was to find out whether the usually sampled neck part reliably represents the activity concentration of the carcass as a whole. In addition, the distribution patterns between different tissues and organs and the differences between adults and calves were investigated. According to the results, there are no noticeable differences between adults and calves or between different muscle tissues. Samples of neck muscle can be used as references for monitoring the radioactivity of reindeer meat. Some of the analyzed samples were taken after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident; their activity concentrations were low, showing that the accident in Japan did not endanger the radiation safety of Finnish reindeer meat.