Gospić radioactive strontium-90 levels show significant increase

The Croatian State Inspectorate has launched an inspection in Gospić following reports of a significant increase in radioactive strontium-90 levels. According to annual reports from the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Medicine (IMI), the concentration of strontium-90 in the surface soil at a Gospić measuring point rose from 24.5 becquerels per square meter in 2023 to 260 becquerels per square meter last year, representing an nearly 11-fold increase.

Experts from the IMI Radiation Protection Institute state that the strontium-90 entered the environment via atmospheric radioactive clouds and accumulated in the surface layer. The presence of this isotope in Croatia is attributed to the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, as strontium-90 has a half-life of 28.8 years.

Chief State Inspector Tonči Glavinić confirmed that inspections are underway and further information will be released once reports are received. Currently, there is no evidence linking the increased levels to illegal waste at the former PPK Velebit site, and officials noted that the change in measurements does not inherently confirm new radioactive contamination or an immediate threat to public health.