Iodine 131 is a radioactive version of iodine that is created during nuclear reactions. It can be harmful to people who are exposed to high doses of it. It is radioactive for only a short period of time, which allows doctors to sometimes use it for certain medical testing and treatment.
Definition
Iodine 131 is an isotope, or unstable version, of iodine that is created when a nuclear reaction splits the atoms of other radioactive materials like uranium. An iodine 131 atom has an unbalanced number of particles in its nucleus, which makes it give off radiation until enough particles break away and the iodine stabilizes.
Behavior
Iodine 131 has a half-life of eight days, which means that every eight days, half of a given sample stops emitting radiation. Within 80 days, only 1 percent of a sample is still radioactive, which is considered safe. Like regular iodine, iodine 131 can be quickly absorbed into the human body. The thyroid gland uses iodine to create two essential hormones that regulate the body's metabolism.
Health Risks
Because the thyroid will actively absorb all forms of iodine, iodine 131 can be dangerous, especially to children. If the thyroid absorbs a large amount of it, the iodine 131 will hit the body with a large burst of radiation. This can cause long-term health problems, such as thyroid cancer.
Medical Uses
In moderate amounts, iodine 131 can serve several important medical functions. It is an effective treatment for overactive thyroid, where the gland is producing too many hormones. Doctors can put iodine 131 into the body in sufficient quantities to destroy most or all of the thyroid. The patient then has to take thyroid pills for the rest of his life. Doctors also use iodine 131 in diagnostic testing. Because it is easily absorbed into the body and emits radiation, doctors can use iodine 131 in medical imaging devices that can view the material as it passes through the body. Doctors can get an image of what's happening in the body by observing the paths the radiation takes. As long as doctors use only trace amounts of iodine 131 in this procedure, it is mostly harmless.
Emergency Protection
During a nuclear disaster, a power plant can release large amounts of iodine 131 into the atmosphere. This radioactive material will quickly work its way into the local food and water supply and could be inhaled as well. To prevent the body from absorbing it, people can take iodine pills. If the body has enough harmless iodine in its system, it won't absorb iodine 131.
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