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Scientists have found that some glaciers have accumulated some amount of nuclear fallout during various disasters in the past. These contaminants could be released into the environment once glaciers have melted due to climate change.
( University of Plymouth )
Irradiated glaciers from the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters are now threatening the environment as they can release stored radiation particles at any time.
In a study presented at the General Assembly of the European Geoscience Union, researchers explained how ice and snow in glacial areas can capture the fallout from nuclear accidents and store them for long periods.
However, these glaciers are starting to melt rapidly because of climate change. They may now release their contaminants into the environment, which could poison humans and wildlife.
Nuclear fallout in glaciers
Caroline Clason, an expert in physical geography from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, led an international team of researchers to study the effects of nuclear radiation on glaciers.
They focused on particles known as fallout radionuclides, which are byproducts of nuclear weapons tests and accidents. These contaminants are often stored in ice surface sediments called cryoconite.
Clason and his colleagues traveled to different sites around the world, such as Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Antarctica. FRNs detected in these environments are orders of magnitude higher than those found in non-glacial areas.
The discovery of the team highlights the role of glaciers, particularly the interaction between cryoconite and meltwater, in the collection of contaminants in the atmosphere from various activities human.
The researchers also found that FRN accumulation was not limited to areas directly affected by nuclear activity, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. This highlights the impacts of nuclear fallout and other air pollutants on the entire planet.
Clason said previous studies on nuclear accidents focused on their impacts on humans and ecosystems in non-glacial areas. However, evidence suggests that cryoconite on glaciers is better able to collect and store dangerous levels of FRN.
Although high levels of FRN have already been detected in the past, little is known yet about the potential impact they could have on the environment. It's something that Clason and his colleagues have been trying to explore in their research.
"Our collaborative work is beginning to address this problem as it is clearly important that the pro-glacial environment and downstream communities understand all the invisible threats they may face in the future," said Clason.
Effects of radiation exposure
High levels of radiation produced after a nuclear disaster can have long-term effects on human health. The longer the body is exposed to energy, the more cells and tissues are damaged.
Hair loss (alopecia) is one of the most visible effects of radiation on health, which often occurs when people are exposed to 200 rem or more.
The brain is also likely to be damaged by nuclear exposure. A radiation of 5,000 rems or more can destroy small blood vessels and nerve cells, causing convulsions and even immediate death in extreme cases.
Large amounts of radioactive iodine can seriously damage the thyroid and other cells related to the gland. However, when used properly and at controlled doses, radioactive iodine may help treat thyroid cancer.
People exposed to 100 rem of radiation may have fewer lymphocytes. This leaves them more vulnerable to various infections.
Data from Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings suggest that the symptoms of this form of radiation disease can last up to 10 years and increase the risk of developing lymphoma and leukemia.
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