Over 600 orphan sources, which are small radioactive sources no longer under proper regulatory control, were identified last year throughout Moldova and safely disposed of, Ion Apostol, director of the Radioactivity Regulatory Agency told a press conference.
Ion Apostol says that when a source is found to exceed the acceptable limit of the 25 microroentgens per hour, a mobile team is assembled to take samples for more accurate lab tests. In case of more serious incidents, the Moldovan authorities are required under international treaties to notify the public and the neighboring countries.
Ionel Bălan, Agency deputy director and coordinator of the mobile team, said most often orphan sources are from the Soviet era, and people who own such objects or leave nearby rarely know that they might pose a threat.
The State Weather Service has been monitoring radioactivity regularly since 1978, by taking air, soil, water and even moss samples, among other, through its 12 stations located in various parts of the country.
Olga Melnic, head of the Chisinau weather station, said radioactivity is measured twice a day, every day. For example, this morning radiation levels averaged 15 µR/h in the capital city.