Radioactive Contaminants

Radioactive contaminants can accumulate in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe. Nuclear power generation, medical applications, research facilities and industrial activities are the main sources of man-made radioactivity in the environment. In the UK and around the world, exposure levels from seafood consumption are routinely monitored to ensure they do not exceed legal dose limits and therefore the associated risk is kept as low as reasonably practicable.

Our expert scientists are uniquely placed to assist food standard agencies and other bodies in providing routine and post-incident monitoring of a wide range of radioactive contaminants in seafood, assessing the risk for consumers using specific modelling tools and undertaking habits surveys, and in supporting trade. All of our activities are supported by a dynamic national and international R&D portfolio of work and network, ensuring that our scientists stay at the forefront of their discipline and can provide the best quality advice.

For more information on how our science can assist you please contact the Centre lead for this area Franck Dal Molin.