14th Mar, Hindu Editorial

This article elucidates the various radioactive substances that can be emitted because of a nuclear meltdown

  • Radioactive ntirogen(N 16)
  • Normally in atmosphere we find Nitrogen 14
  • Nitrogen 16 is formed when fast nuetrons from reactor core hit oxygen molecules in coolant water
  • Hence even under normal circumstances radioactive nitrogen in small quantities is released
  • However it has a short half life of 7 secs
  • Tritium
  • Radioactive form of H
  • Known as heavy hydrogen
  • Half life: 12 years
  • Weak form of radiation, cant penetrate skin
  • Iodine
  • Iodine 131 isgenerated in active core of nuclear reactor
  • Acctive core is where splitting of atoms takes place which results in producing
    • Lots of energy
    • Highly radioactive radiations
  • When there is a meltdown it is emitted out else under normal circumstances it remains within reactor
  • It can accumulate in thyroid glands which are endocrine glands that produce hormones to regulate growth
  • This can elad to cancer
  • Potassium iodide pills intake can help in saturating the thyroid glands and hence reduce the intake of radioactive iodine by thyroid glands
  • Cesium -137
  • Half life of 30 years
  • Very dangerous
  • Takes more than 200 years to decay
  • Still a problem in 1986 chernobyl
  • Mixes easily with water and simialr to potassium
  • Accumulates in muscles and bones
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • High exposure can cause burns and even death