All-clear after Sellafield alert

The Sellafield nuclear reprocessing plant in Cumbria, England, has been given the all-clear after an investigation into higher-than-normal radiation readings detected at a perimeter fence.

The monitoring system picked up “elevated” levels of radioactivity overnight, leading to workers and contractors being told to stay away. However, following an analysis by safety staff, Sellafield said the levels were “naturally occurring background radon.” The company is still trying to establish why the alarm was sounded even though it has now established the cause.

A statement said: “Sellafield Ltd can confirm that the radioactivity detected by one of our in-air monitors overnight is not attributable to any issue or problem with any of our operations on site.