Environmental monitoring of ionising radiation: radioactive substances in air

The levels of radioactive substances bound to particles in the air have been monitored in Sweden since the 1950s. The current programme includes 6 sampling stations where air is continuously collected on filters, which are then measured once a week. The main purpose of monitoring air concentrations is to quickly detect and track emissions to air that reach Sweden. The long-term development of cesium-137 following the Chernobyl accident can also be followed. Concentrations in air are reported to the EU in accordance with the Euratom Treaty. Data from these sampling stations are available from the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority on request. The map shows the geographical location of the sampling stations.