![]() Caesium-137 has a relatively low boiling point of 671 ☌ (1,240 ☏) and easily becomes volatile when released suddenly at high temperature, as in the case of the Chernobyl nuclear accident and with atomic explosions, and can travel very long distances in the air. It is among the most problematic of the short-to-medium-lifetime fission products. Trace quantities also originate from spontaneous fission of uranium-238. ), cesium-137 (US), or radiocaesium, is a radioactive isotope of caesium that is formed as one of the more common fission products by the nuclear fission of uranium-235 and other fissionable isotopes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. You can follow the story on local outlets such as ThaiPBS or the Bangkok Post. With the situation still developing, one of the best ways to ensure that you and your family remain safe is to stay informed. The punishment for the charge is a fine of up to ฿100,000 (~2920 USD) and up to one year in prison. The National Power Plant 5A Company will be charged with delaying the reporting of the missing cylinder by Thai police. Image credit: Thairath What are some of the consequences of this alleged mishandling so far? Īuthorities believe that the cylinder was stolen to be sold as scrap metal. The National Power Plant 5A Company, responsible for the power plant in which the cylinder went missing, said that the cylinder could have been missing since late February. The cylinder was initially reported missing from a power plant on 10 March 2023. Internal exposure to Cs-137, through eating or breathing in dust particles, can cause muscle tissues inside the body to become cancerous. Radiation sickness includes symptoms like nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. How can I get exposed to it & how will it hurt me?Įxposure to large amounts of Cs-137, such as in industrial settings and power plants, can cause burns, radiation sickness, and possibly death. It has a half-life of approximately 30 years, meaning that if leaked it could be a danger to Thai people for hundreds of years. The Cs-137 readily binds with chlorides so is usually found as a powder or dust, but is otherwise liquid at room temperature. In Cs-137’s case, it has a mass number of 137, hence its name. The name of an isotope is derived from its mass number. Each isotope is a variant containing a different number of neutrons. Isotopes are versions of atoms of a chemical element. What is Caesium-137 & what is it used for?Ĭaesium-137, or Cs-137, is a radioactive isotope that is used in industrial measuring devices, typically to detect the flow of liquid through pipes or the thickness of materials. The 70 smelting plant workers have tested negative for radiation exposure and are being monitored for symptoms. The Thai Ministry of Health has said that no health issues related to radiation exposure have been found in Thai hospitals since the cylinder went missing. No leaks have been detected thus far, according to the governor. The governor also added the cylinder appeared to have been smelted in a closed-loop system at the plant. The authorities are still investigating whether the cylinder has been fully smelted, said Prachinburi Governor Ronnarong. The missing radioactive cylinder has been found in a smelting plant in Prachinburi, according to local authorities on 20 March 2023. Image credit: Prachinburi Provincial Public Relations Office/ AP News Authorities say they found the missing cylinder Here’s what you need to know about the situation. Local authorities said they found the missing cylinder in a smelting factory in the same province on 20 March. Thailand’s lost & found Caesium-137 cylinderĪ radioactive cylinder containing Caesium-137 used in a power plant in Prachinburi, a province known for its national parks such as Khao Yai, was reported missing on 10 March 2023, prompting a search.
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