Cs is used in small amounts for calibration of radiation-detection equipment, such as Geiger-Mueller counters. In larger amounts, Cs is used in medical radiation therapy devices for treating cancer; in industrial gauges that detect the flow of liquid through pipes; and in other industrial devices to measure the thickness of materials, such as paper, photographic film, or sheets of metal. Cs is produced by nuclear fission for use in medical devices and gauges.
Cs also is one of the byproducts of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons testing. Small quantities of Cs can be found in the environment from nuclear weapons tests that occurred in the s and s and from nuclear reactor accidents, such as the Chernobyl power plant accident in , which distributed Cs to many countries in Europe. Because it readily bonds with chlorides, Cs usually occurs as a crystalline powder, rather than in its pure liquid form.
Small amounts of Cs are incorporated into Lucite disks, rods, and seeds. Larger Cs sources are enclosed in lead containers such as long tubes that are closed at each end or small round metal containers.
If the lead containers of Cs are opened, the substance inside looks like a white powder and may glow. Cs from nuclear accidents or atomic bomb explosions cannot be seen and will be present in dust and debris from fallout. Small amounts of Cs are present in the environment from weapons testing in the s and s, so people are exposed to some Cs every day.
However, Cs is dangerous in the large, concentrated amounts found in radiation therapy units and industrial gauges. The sources in these devices are designed to remain sealed and keep people from being exposed; however, if these canisters are intentionally or accidentally opened, the Cs inside could be dispersed.
External exposure to large amounts of Cs can cause burns, acute radiation sickness , and even death. Exposure to Cs can increase the risk for cancer because of exposure to high-energy gamma radiation. Internal exposure to Cs, through ingestion or inhalation, allows the radioactive material to be distributed in the soft tissues, especially muscle tissue, exposing these tissues to the beta particles and gamma radiation and increasing cancer risk. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.
Radiation Emergencies. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Cesium is used in small amounts for calibration of radiation detection equipment, such as Geiger-Mueller counters.
In larger amounts, Cs is used in:. External exposure to large amounts of Cs can cause burns, acute radiation sickness and even death. Exposure to such a large amount could come from the mishandling of a strong industrial source of Cs, a nuclear detonation or a major nuclear accident.
Large amounts of Cs are not found in the environment under normal circumstances. Exposure to Cs can increase the risk for cancer because of the presence of high-energy gamma radiation. Internal exposure to Cs through ingestion or inhalation allows the radioactive material to be distributed in the soft tissues, especially muscle tissue, which increases cancer risk.
Skip to main content. Radiation Protection. Contact Us. Radionuclide Basics: Cesium On this page:. Cesium in the Environment Because Cs bonds with chlorides to make a crystalline powder, it reacts in the environment like table salt sodium chloride : Cesium moves easily through the air. Cesium dissolves easily in water.
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