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<p>Core Samples were taken from a range of areas in the Irish Sea. These samples were analysed to determine the amount of technetium, which has become attached to the sediment and the proportion that would become available for uptake by sea foods in the future. The data obtained was used to develop a model to assess the future radiation doses to consumers of sea foods from historic discharges of technetium.</p>
<p>Background: Technetium-99 has been discharged into the Irish Sea from the nuclear reprocessing plant at Sellafield for some time. These discharges have been significantly reduced since the introduction of abatement technology in 2005. Significant amounts of technetium-99, however are believed to be attached to sediments in the Irish Sea. Work has been carried out to ascertain the amount attached to sediment, how much may be released into the sea in the future and the consequences of this for consumers of sea foods, especially crabs and lobsters, from the Irish Sea.</p>