The Radiation Safety Authority wants the public to submit mushroom samples. The authority wants to investigate how much of the radioactive substance cesium-137 remains after the accident in Chernobyl in 1986.
“We want samples from regular mushroom pickers to get a wider selection of mushrooms from different areas. This can increase knowledge about the levels of cesium-137 that may still remain after the Chernobyl accident,” says Pål Anderssoninvestigator at the Radiation Safety Authority, in one press release.
It is safe to eat Swedish mushrooms
After the accident, relatively high levels of mushrooms were measured. They were higher than in, for example, forest berries or garden products. Since then, the levels have decreased significantly.
“Eating normal amounts of mushrooms from Swedish forests is currently deemed not to entail any real risks,” the authority writes in the press release.
Here are the areas affected
The Radiation Safety Authority’s mapping is ongoing during the autumn. The authority wants to get mushroom samples from residents in the counties that were affected by fallout after the accident.
These are Västerbotten, Jämtland, Västernorrland, Gävleborg, Uppsala, Västmanland and Södermanland.
“Important that you are safe”
Before you send in your mushroom sample, you must register it with the Radiation Safety Authority with information about place, time and mushroom species.
But you won’t have to reveal your secret mushroom spots, promises Pål Andersson:
– It doesn’t have to be the exact location of the most secret chanterelle spot. It is enough to indicate the approximate midpoint of today’s mushroom picking trip. However, it is important that you are sure of the type of mushroom you are sending in. It is fine to send in dried mushrooms, as long as they are picked this year, says Pål Andersson in the press release.