nuclear-news

Nuclear radioactivity risks: iodine, cesium, plutonium, strontium

Health risk from troubled Japan nuclear plant, Reuters, By Mayumi Negishi and Tan Ee Lyn, TOKYO May 6, 2011“……IS SOME RADIATION MORE HARMFUL THAN OTHERS?Yes. Radioactive particles are most harmful when inhaled or ingested, and particles that are easily absorbed and which have longer half-lives can cause more damage to cells and genetic material inside.

When examining radiation from the Fukushima plant, health officials focus especially on Iodine-131. Inside the body of an adult, it has a half-life of 7 days, but it accumulates quickly in the thyroid gland. Children are especially at risk because their thyroids are still developing.Another by-product, Cesium, spreads throughout the body, concentrating in muscle tissue. Cesium-137 has a half-life of 30 years, but inside an adult, the amount will be halved in 90 days.

Strontium and plutonium are rarer by-products of nuclear fission. But if they are ingested, they tend to collect in bones, where they are likely to stay put. Strontium can cause bone cancer. Plutonium is more dangerous when inhaled, increasing the risk of lung cancer……..”Health risk from troubled Japan nuclear plant | Reuters

May 8, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | 2 WORLD, health