Radiological Environment in Ukraine, Kiev, Etc.

[Bruce Pickett <SHEA136@KGV2.bems.boeing.com>]

 Bob Flood wrote:

 > I have been asked to find some information about the ambient dose rates one
 > might encounter traveling in the Ukraine and particularly in Kiev (this
 > involves a prolonged stay). Also, there is interest in radioactive material
 > in the food supply from the region - is it advisable to consume the food at
 > all (no comments on the cooking, please), or are there specific foods to
 > avoid because they concentrate radioactive materials?
 > I would appreciate replies with personal knowledge and with references for
 > additional reading.

 In September 1992, my Company, Boeing, established a new customer service
 center in Kiev. Exactly the same questions were asked of us at that time.
 The following information is from my notes of that time, I cannot guarantee
 that the information is still accurate, but its a place to start:

 Around September 1, 1992, I contacted Rudy Marrazzo of the US State Department
 Medical Services (202/647-6923).  The State Department had just established
 a new US Embassy in Kiev.  They gave TLDs to their startup staff for one
 month - the results were less than detectable. They had local foodstuffs
 analyzed by the FDA lab @ Winchester - they found no Cs-137. The water
 quality was good except for seasonal bacteria. The German and UK embassies
 had done rad assessments and found no problem.  Some reports had shown that
 wild game and flora (berries, mushrooms) may have had elevated radionuclides,
 but analyses of locally grown milk, produce, meats, & poultry showed none.
 Dr. Paul Grundy at the US Embassy in Moscow was the regional medical officer
 and could be contacted by US citizens in Kiev. He was knowledgable of the
 conditions in the area.


   Bruce Pickett
   The Boeing Company, Seattle WA
   shea136@kgv2.bems.boeing.com
   (206)393-3098

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