Interior Ministry, CCD deny info about allegedly increased radioactive background in Zaporizhia region
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) denied information spread on the Internet about allegedly increased radioactive background in Zaporizhia region.
"As of 21:20, the Department of Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine conducted air measurements. The condition is within normal limits - 0.14 μSv/h. The radiation background in the country is stable - there is no threat to the population," the Ministry of Internal Affairs reported on its Telegram channel.
However, the ministry added that monitoring is ongoing.
In turn, the Ministry of Energy reported that information about an alleged "radiation background jump" in Zaporizhia is being spread on social networks and some Telegram channels.
"As reported by the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, none of the departmental, state and public automated radiation monitoring posts have recorded any changes in the radiation background at the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant and in the observation zone," the Ministry of Energy's Telegram channel said.
It is noted that the radiation background on the territory of Ukraine is within the specified norms.
And the Center for Countering Disinformation stated that the distributed video about the alleged "radiation background jump" is accompanied by statements that it requires attention and clarification, although the author himself admits that he does not want to "incite panic."
"However, the information in the video is unreliable, since the gamma background level in Zaporizhia region due to natural radiation is 10-17 μR·h-1 and can fluctuate within normal limits. The dosimeter that was filmed in the video does not provide accurate indicators due to insufficient calibration time [less than 10 seconds]," the Center said.
The department noted that obtaining accurate data on the radiation level requires more time and more accurate indicators. The Center for Countering Disinformation also notes that sensors that measure the radiation background in temporarily occupied territories are available only to the IAEA, and it is this organization that provides confirmed information on the radiation level in such zones.