137Cs- and 210Po content in reindeer meat in Finnish reindeer herding areaAim of the studyObjective of this study is to determine the average 137Cs and 210Po/210Pb content in Finnish reindeer meat. ImplementationThe samples of reindeer meat will be collected from different reindeer herding districts. Due to the large number of reindeer herding districts (57) only a limited number of districts can be sampled per year, thus the project takes several years. The samples will be collected by the herders, then delivered to STUK Regional Laboratory in Northern Finland where they are analysed for 137Cs. The same samples can be used for 210Po and 210Pb analyses. To support the analyses, results information on feeding and pastures will be collected. As a result, an average 137Cs activity in reindeer meat can be determined that is calculated by weighting the results with the percentage of slaughtered animals. Dissemination and exploitation of the resultsAs a result, a summary of 137Cs and 210Po activity levels in reindeer meat throughout the Finnish reindeer herding area will be made. This summary includes all the districts and their average 137Cs and 210Po contents. The results can be utilised to promote Finnish reindeer meat. The results will also be published in a journal. In case 210Po is found, the results can be used for determining the internal dose obtained from reindeer meat. CollaboratorsReindeer Herders’ Association, Finland Timetable2007 – 2009 Responsible scientistAri-Pekka Leppänen Page updated 15/05/2009
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