This study investigates the presence of ¹³⁷Cs, a long-lived fission product from mid-20th century nuclear weapons testing, in honey samples from across North America. The researchers found detectable ¹³⁷Cs in a significant portion of eastern U.S. honey samples, with concentrations varying regionally. They determined that soil potassium levels are inversely correlated with ¹³⁷Cs uptake by plants, leading to higher ¹³⁷Cs concentrations in honey from areas with low potassium soils. This highlights the persistent environmental legacy of ¹³⁷Cs and its impact on plant and animal exposure to ionizing radiation.

J. M. Kaste, P. Volante, A. J. Elmore