(This press release has been published in Finnish 25 February) According to the Presidential Office of Ukraine, Russian troops managed to take control of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on the evening of Thursday 24 February 2022. According to information published by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine, radiation levels in the vicinity of the plant have been rising since Thursday evening. The values have increased in the vicinity of the reactors, but not at the measuring points further away. The increase is local and does not cause harmful radiation in Finland.
In the spring of 1986, a nuclear power plant accident occurred in Chernobyl, present-day Ukraine. As a result of the accident, a precautionary action zone with a diameter of 30 kilometres was established around the plant area. Due to radioactive contamination, access to the zone is restricted.
As a result of the state of war, it is not possible to obtain accurate and confirmed information about the radiation situation in the area. It is estimated that heavy vehicles are circulating in the area, lifting dust containing radioactive substances into the air. Radioactive dust in the air raises the radiation level locally, but this causes no danger to Finland.
You should not take iodine tablets in Finland
There is no need to purchase iodine tablets due to the elevated radiation levels in Chernobyl. Above all, iodine tablets must not be taken without instructions from the authorities. You should never take an iodine tablet ‘just in case’, as it is important to take the tablet at the right time. The protective effect of the tablet is reduced if the tablet is taken too early or too late.
Contacts:
Deputy Director Tomi Routamo, tel. +358 9 759 88 577
Head of Department Pia Vesterbacka (iodine tablets), tel. +358 9 759 88 550
Media contacts, Tel: +358(10)8504761
More information:
The radiation situation in Chernobyl on the website of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine
