nuclear-news

Fukushima’s radioactive iodine and cesium a greater danger at present than plutonium

How Dangerous Is the Plutonium Leaking from the Japanese Nuclear Reactor? – By Joshua E. Keating | Foreign PolicyMARCH 30, 2011“……..Plutonium may be grabbing the headlines right now, but it’s not the most dangerous substance being emitted from Fukushima. The steam intentionally vented from the plant contains iodine and cesium, both of which have a far shorter half-life than plutonium, but are being released in much higher amounts and, being airborne, can travel much farther. Radioactive iodine-131 has been detected off the coast of Fukushima at levels 1,150 times higher than normal. These elements may not be quite as radioactive as plutonium, but if ingested or inhaled, they also pose a risk of causing cancer. …”
FP EXPLAINER: How Dangerous Is the Plutonium Leaking from the Japanese Nuclear Reactor? – By Joshua E. Keating | Foreign Policy

March 31, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | - Fukushima 2011, health, Japan