Testing for radioactivity

Radioactive contamination can be found in all kinds of samples by looking for caesium isotopes Cs-137 and Cs-134. These isotopes result from nuclear weapon testing in the 1960s and also from the nuclear accidents in Chernobyl and Fukushima. Strontium-90 also results from these sources.

These isotopes are problematic because they are chemically similar to potassium, so that contamination can enter food chains. The artificial radionuclide strontium-90 is problematic for the same reasons. Interestingly, above-normal concentrations of it were found in soil outside the 30km exclusion zone set up around Fukushima.

Strontium-90 is a beta emitter with a half-life of 29 years, whereas Cs-137 has a half-life of 30 years and Cs-134 has a half-life 2 years. All of these substances accumulate in food chains.

Iodine-131 has a half-life of 8 years. It gathers in spaces in and around nuclear-fuel assemblies and is part of the normal nuclear power generation process. Radioactive iodine is generally one of the first things released into the atmosphere during nuclear plant accidents. It can then enter the food chain. Iodine-131 in the body behaves like normal iodine and gathers in the thyroid gland, with the result that the gland is subjected to radioactivity from within, which can then lead to cancer. 

LUFA Nord-West is an official testing center for radioactive contamination in soil and food/feedstuffs as commissioned by respective German government bodies. We are a reliable partner when you need to test for gamma radiation or strontium-90. Testing import/export goods is of particular interest at the moment and we can provide officially recognised clearance certificates. If you have any questions regarding radioactive contamination or our state-of-art facilities for testing, do not hesitate to contact us.

Whether you simply wish to test for radioactivity or you require official clearance certificates for your food/feedstuffs, our testing is concentrated on caesium (134Cs and 137Cs) and strontium (90Sr).