césio131

Cesium-131 is a radioactive isotope of cesium with a half-life of approximately 9.69 days. It is produced as a fission product in nuclear reactors and is a significant contributor to the radioactive contamination in the aftermath of nuclear accidents. Cesium-131 is a beta emitter, meaning it decays by emitting beta particles, which are high-energy electrons or positrons. This decay process results in the formation of barium-131. Due to its relatively short half-life, cesium-131 poses a significant health risk primarily through external exposure to beta radiation, as it quickly decays to stable barium-131, which is not radioactive. The primary health concern with cesium-131 is its ability to be taken up by the thyroid gland, where it can replace stable iodine and lead to thyroid cancer. Therefore, cesium-131 is a key radionuclide of concern in nuclear safety and environmental monitoring. Its detection and measurement are crucial in assessing the impact of nuclear incidents and ensuring public safety.