Caesium-137 - Aspire IAS

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Caesium-137

A previously lost eight-millimeter capsule was recently found in Western Australia.
It contains radioactive Caesium-137 that was released after the nuclear tragedies at Chernobyl and Fukushima.

Important things about Caesium

Caesium is a silvery-white, soft, malleable metal that forms bonds with chlorides to produce a crystalline powder with no difficulty.
The only stable form of cesium that exists naturally in the environment is 133Cs (read as cesium one-thirty-three).
Two radioactive forms of cesium, 134Cs, and 137Cs, can be created by nuclear explosions or the uranium breakdown in fuel components. The decay of both isotopes produces non-radioactive elements.
The most prevalent radioactive type of caesium, caesium-137, emits beta and gamma radiation, both of which are dangerous to people.

Environmental and Health Concerns:

Health:

Caesium-137 can cause severe illness, including burns and acute radiation sickness, when it is touched.
Because Caesium-137 contains high-energy gamma radiation, exposure to it from the outside can raise one's risk of developing cancer. Long-term exposure may possibly be fatal.
It is possible for the radioactive material to be disseminated in the soft tissues, particularly muscle tissue, through internal exposure to it through ingesting or inhalation.

Environment:

Before sinking to the ground or water, cesium in the air can travel over great distances.
In water, most cesium compounds dissolve.
The majority of cesium compounds are extremely soluble, and cesium binds tightly to damp soils. Cesium does not penetrate the soil very deeply. It is a radioactive material and can make the soil, and water radioactive on dumping irresponsibly.

Source: The Indian Express

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