Distribution of Radioactive Cesium in the Population of Northern Sweden: A Follow-up Study

After the Chernobyl accident in 1986, the uptake of radioactive caesium has been studied in several population groups in northern Sweden. During the period 1988-1993 the 137Cs content in the population of northern Sweden was followed by measurements of 137Cs concentration in tissue samples from medico-legal autopsies. From these studies an "ecological" half-time for 137Cs in the population was estimated. A follow-up made on samples taken 1995-1996 is presented here. The results from this prolongation of the period indicates a significantly longer half-time. This new half-time gives a better representation of the retention of 137Cs in the population of northern Sweden at times longer from the deposition.