Various radioactive substances that can be emitted because of a nuclear meltdown , their properties and side effects
- Radioactive ntirogen(N 16)
· 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 and 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 lead 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
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