A lack of technical information prevents us from making any conclusive risk assessment. In the case of Russia, this solution will depend upon further political and economic developments. The sources we have used in this report include newspapers, professional literature, research reports and public documents. We have also had a number of meetings and participated in several conferences related to the dangers of radioactive contamination emanating from the nuclear installations of the Northern Fleet. During the preparation of this report, we have taken great pains to give references for all information cited here.
Accurate information contributes to a clear and result-oriented discussion.
Rumours and inaccurate information cause unnecessary fear and anxieties. Therefore Bellona considers it important that also the authorities present a better overview of possible sources of radioactive contamination within the Russian Northern Fleet and other nuclear facilities. This is true not only of Russia, but also of other countries who in the post war period have withheld vital information about the dangers of radioactive contamination to public health or the environment. We would like to thank the many people who contributed to putting together this report. First and foremost, we have benefited greatly from the counsel of our advisory group, including Nils B hmer, Nikolai Mormul and Vyacheslav Perovsky.