|
|
|
|
|
                |
|
||
 |
Multimedia |
 |
||
 |
||||
|
 |
|
||||
|
Cesium-137 Cesium-137 is a product of the fission reactions that take place in nuclear reactors or inside a nuclear weapon. Cesium-137 has a half-life of 30.1 years, and emits beta radiation. Cesium-137 decays to the daughter barium-137m, which has a 2.6 minute half-life. Barium-137m emits a low energy beta particle and a high energy gamma ray, which is the major health hazard associated with cesium-137.
Cesium-137 is commonly used for a number of industrial purposes. For example, it can be used to gauge the thickness or density of sheet metal and other products. It can also be used in cancer therapy. Cesium-137 can be harmful to body tissue if ingested or inhaled in large enough amounts, and can increase the risk of cancer. Direct exposure of the body to cesium-137 can also be dangerous, depending on the length of time of exposure, the amount of material, and the distance from the material. |
|
|
|||
|
|
 |
|
  |
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation
Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does
not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents.
|
