In April 1986, the worst accident in the history of nuclear energy occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. To this day, the released radiation has an impact on fungi in Germany. Wild mushrooms from southern Bavaria are particularly affected. One variety in particular should be avoided.
Wild mushrooms in Bavaria can still be radioactive – 36 years after the Chernobyl reactor catastrophe. Especially mushrooms from southern Bavaria are affected, especially the popular chestnut boletus is problematic, said Bund Naturschutz and the Munich Environmental Institute.
Both organizations have examined mushrooms for radiation exposure and now warn against consuming dishes made from wild mushrooms that you have collected yourself all too often. Pregnant women and children in particular should be particularly careful. Hauke ??Doerk from the Environmental Institute said: “Unfortunately, radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl disaster has only decreased very slowly in forests over the decades. Southern Bavaria is more severely affected by the radioactive fallout from Chernobyl than other parts of the country.” However, the load varies depending on the region and variety.
“For example, we have measured under 40 to over 2000 becquerels per kilogram in samples of chestnut boletus from the Munich area in recent years.” For trade in the EU, there is currently a limit of 600 becquerels per kilogram for cesium contamination. A limit of 370 becquerels per kilogram has been set for milk and baby food. “The results of our measurements show us once again how dangerous nuclear power is and how it can affect our lives for decades,” said Martin Geilhufe from the Bund Naturschutz.