Since late September 2017, Ruthenium 106 has been detected by several European networks involved in the monitoring of atmospheric radioactive contamination. Ruthenium 106 is a radionuclide of artificial origin. It is a fission product from the nuclear industry. This radionuclide is also used in the medical field for brachytherapy treatments.
The very low levels of atmospheric contamination of Ruthenium 106 observed to date by European monitoring networks have no environmental or health consequences in monitored countries. Nevertheless, all European networks maintain a watchful vigilance on this presence of ruthenium in the air.
For further details, you can find information on the websites of our NERIS supporting organisations: