Cesium-137’s danger and what happens if I am exposed to it

Recently, there is shocking news about the loss of cesium-137, the most common radioactive form of cesium, from the stream power plant in Prachin Buri Province. Although now the authority has found cesium-137, it has been moved to many places, including community areas. Its effect on humans and the environment is known to be lethal. Let’s start with what is cesium-137 before moving on to its effects and how to cure it.

What is cesium-137?

Cesium-137 is the most common radioactive form of cesium. It is produced by the process called “nuclear fission”, the splitting of uranium and plutonium in a reactor or atomic bomb. It emits 2 types of radiation which are Beta particles and Gamma Rays. With a half-life of 30.17 years, cesium-137 would take 300-600 years to be broken down completely. In the meantime, it will cause many problems to the environment and individual’s health.

Use of cesium-137

After briefly mentioning many adverse effects of cesium-137, you may wonder, if it is so hazardous, then why do people still use cesium-137? Under close supervision and implementation, it can do more good than harm. With a small amount, it can be used for the calibration of radiation-detection equipment. In a large amount, is it used in medical radiation therapy devices for treating cancer, industrial gauges, and industrial device used to measure the thickness of materials.

Danger to health.  

As mentioned earlier, cesium-137 emits 2 types of radiation. Let’s go deeper into them.

Beta particles have a penetrating effect that is able to penetrate clothing and skin, causing external damage such as skin burns. It is most hazardous when inhaled or swallowed as it can do damage to internal cells and organs.

Gamma Rays are the most dangerous form of ionizing radiation which is able to penetrate barriers that stop beta particles, thus having a more powerful penetrating effect. It is able to pass through the entire body, affecting all tissues from the skin to bone marrow. This results in DNA and tissue damage, leading to a chance of developing cancer.

How do I know if I got exposed to cesium-137?

At a high level of exposure in or near the body, the symptoms shown are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. In a more serious case, it can even cause coma and death.

Is there an antidote for cesium-137?

Currently, the antidote for cesium-137 is available and is called “Prussian Blue”. It is effective and safe for use to treat radioactive intoxication. Prussian Blue comes in a pill that can help to remove radioactive cesium from the body. The mechanism is trapping radioactive cesium from absorbing into the body. These radioactive materials are then moved through the intestine and got excreted from the body, decreasing the time it is circulating in the body. Since it only can be given by prescription, get to the hospital as fast as you can if you have the symptoms mentioned above.