Radioecological problems in the forests of Russia

The article summarizes the research results of the Department of Forest Radiation Ecology and Ecotoxicology of VNIILM since its inception. A brief description of the occurrence of the radioactive contamination problem of Russian forests is given. Lists the main radiation accidents. It is noted that most of the radiation accidents and incidents are “rural” in nature and lead to pollution of natural landscapes, including forests. Radiation-related information is required for rehabilitation activities in polluted forests.The source of such information is radiation monitoring of forests (RMF). At present, in the late stage of radiation accidents, RMF faces new challenges in monitoring the results of chronic exposure of forest ecosystems. The article describes the problem of forest fires in areas of radioactive contamination.It is shown that all forest fires in areas with a density of radioactive soil contamination with cesium-137 37kBq/m2 (1 Ci/km2) or more can be classified as radioactive forest fires...