This boar lived in the forest that was affected by the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl, Ukraine that took place over 31 years ago. Unfortunately, Sweden was also impacted by a cloud of toxic radiation during the aftermath (iodine and caesium-137). Other radiation levels in animals like elk and reindeer have been decreasing but for some reason, the wild boar population has been increasing.
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A looming problem from the past
The boar that was shot had a radiation level of 13,000 becquerels per kilogram (Bq/kg), and the limit according to Sweden's Food Agency for safe consumption is 1,500 Bq/kg! Unbelievable right? Several researchers took 30 samples of the meat this year and found that only five were below the safety limit. The radiation levels don't necessarily impact the wild boar because they have short life spans but people who consume the meat will have a higher chance of getting cancer. Will you stop eating wild boar meat altogether?
