title: Radiocesium in caribou and reindeer in northern Canada, Alaska and Greenland from 1958 to 2000.
abstract: This study summarizes the spatial and temporal trends of fallout (137)Cs concentrations in caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus ssp.), reported in various programs in Canada, Alaska and Greenland, over a 40-y period. During the 1960s, the highest (137)Cs concentrations (2000-3000Bqkg(-1) wet weight in muscle) were found in the large caribou herds of central northern Canada, with levels about 50% lower in Alaska and Greenland. Concentrations varied by up to a factor of 6 between spring and fall. Concentrations in reindeer were comparable to those in caribou from the same regions. The highest (137)Cs concentrations (750Bqkg(-1)) in the late 1980s were found in the Caniapiscau herd of central Québec. The contribution from the Chernobyl accident in 1986 was estimated from (134)Cs measurements to be 10-40% of the total (137)Cs. Present concentrations have declined to 200-300Bqkg(-1). The effective half-life (T(eff)) of (137)Cs in Canadian caribou herds was estimated to be about 6 y. The potential impact on the health of northern residents is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Northern Environmental Consulting, Pinawa MB R0E 1L0, Canada.
authors.forename: Colin R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.forename: Brett T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Elkin
authors.forename: Bliss L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Tracy
mesh_terms: D000413:Alaska; D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada; D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D017753:Ecosystem; D006116:Greenland; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D012053:Reindeer; D012621:Seasons
chemical_list: D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants