Radiocesium in caribou and reindeer in northern Canada, Alaska and Greenland from 1958 to 2000 [An article from: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity]

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Description:
This study summarizes the spatial and temporal trends of fallout ^1^3^7Cs concentrations in caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus ssp.), reported in various programs in Canada, Alaska and Greenland, over a 40-y period. During the 1960s, the highest ^1^3^7Cs concentrations (2000-3000Bqkg^-^1 wet weight in muscle) were found in the large caribou herds of central northern Canada, with levels about 50% lower in Alaska and Greenland. Concentrations varied by up to a factor of 6 between spring and fall. Concentrations in reindeer were comparable to those in caribou from the same regions. The highest ^1^3^7Cs concentrations (750Bqkg^-^1) in the late 1980s were found in the Caniapiscau herd of central Quebec. The contribution from the Chernobyl accident in 1986 was estimated from ^1^3^4Cs measurements to be 10-40% of the total ^1^3^7Cs. Present concentrations have declined to 200-300Bqkg^-^1. The effective half-life (T"e"f"f) of ^1^3^7Cs in Canadian caribou herds was estimated to be about 6 y. The potential impact on the health of northern residents is discussed.