Simple method of dealing with harmful radioactive iodine discovered
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 - 10:30
in Physics & Chemistry
A novel way to immobilize radioactive forms of iodine using a microwave, has been discovered. Iodine radioisotopes are produced by fission of uranium fuel in a nuclear reactor. Radioactive iodine is of concern because it is highly mobile in the environment and selective uptake by the thyroid gland can pose a significant cancer risk following long term exposure.