At Russia's Domodedovo International Airport, customs officials identified a dangerous product while inspecting the luggage of a 32-year-old foreign citizen flying to Uzbekistan. The radiation detection system named "Yantar" signaled the presence of radioactive substances among the luggage.
During the inspection, 31 kilograms of dried porcini mushrooms were found in the passenger's belongings. Measurements conducted by experts revealed that the radiation background of the product was more than 10 times higher than the natural norm. Analyses showed the presence of the radionuclide cesium-137 in the mushrooms.
The Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) declared this product as radioactive waste and decided to dispose of it (bury it) in accordance with established procedures. Furthermore, appropriate measures were taken against the manufacturing company; the declaration of conformity for the "Dried Porcini Mushrooms" product was revoked, and its sale was suspended.
Experts note that cesium-137 is an artificial radioactive isotope produced as a result of nuclear reactions and accidents. Its prolonged exposure to the body can cause serious health problems, including an increased risk of oncological diseases.
