![]() Lacking the time or resources to study the material further, he passed the material on to two chemist friends, who continued his investigations and published their findings in 1813. Though he was employed in the production of saltpeter due to his financial circumstances, Courtois had had enough formal chemistry training to realize that his discovery was significant and suspected that he had produced a new element. In 1811, a Frenchman named Bernard Courtois accidentally added an excess of sulfuric acid in this final step, and was astonished when this produced a cloud of purple vapor which condensed to form a shiny crystalline substance on cold surfaces. The liquid that remained after the desired precipitates were collect was generally treated with sulfuric acid before disposal. When this liquid was allowed to evaporate slowly, several useful compounds would precipitate out in sequence. ![]() The process required drying and burning the seaweed, producing ash that was then washed with water. In the early nineteenth century, sodium carbonate, used in the production of saltpeter, was frequently extracted from seaweed. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people’s health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.American Elements: The Materials Science Company™ | Certified bulk & lab quantity manufacturer of metals, chemicals, nanoparticles & other advanced materials įor more information on protecting yourself before or during a radiologic emergency, see CDC’s fact sheet titled “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Radiation Emergency” at /radiation/emergencyfaq.htm, and “Sheltering in Place During a Radiation Emergency,” at /radiation/shelter.htm.įor information about possible countermeasures for internal contamination with I-131, please see CDC’s fact sheet on Potassium Iodide (KI). Once inside the body, I-131 will be absorbed by the thyroid gland exposing it to radiation and potentially increasing the risk for thyroid cancer or other thyroid problems.įor more information about I-131, see the Public Health Statement by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at, or visit the Environmental Protection Agency at external icon. Consequently, people can receive internal exposure from drinking the milk or eating dairy products made from contaminated milk. ![]() ![]() In addition, if dairy animals consume grass contaminated with I-131, the radioactive iodine will be incorporated into their milk. If I-131 were released into the atmosphere, people could ingest it in food products or water, or breathe it in. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones and cannot distinguish between radioactive iodine and stable (nonradioactive) iodine. Internal exposure can affect the thyroid gland, a small organ located in the neck near the Adam’s apple. Liquid I-131 sodium iodide used to diagnose and treat thyroid disease is a clear liquid.Įxternal exposure to large amounts of I-131 can cause burns to the eyes and on the skin. For medical purposes, the I-131 capsules contain small granules of I-131 sodium iodide that are designed to be swallowed by patients. However, because it readily binds with other elements, I-131 usually is found as a compound rather than in its pure form. Pure I-131 is a non-metallic, purplish-black crystalline solid. I-131 in fallout from nuclear weapons or reactor accidents can occur in particle form, which can be ingested in food or water. As a product of nuclear fission, it is a dark purple gas that can be inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. In medicine, I-131 is supplied in capsules or liquid of a specific activity designed to be swallowed by patients. It also is a byproduct of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and weapons testing. I-131 is produced commercially for medical and industrial uses through nuclear fission. I-131 is used in medicine to diagnose and treat cancers of the thyroid gland. I-131 readily combines with other elements and does not stay in its pure form once released into the environment. I-131 dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Mode of decay: Beta particles and gamma radiationĬhemical properties: I-131 can change directly from a solid into a gas, skipping the liquid phase, in a process called sublimation.
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