What element does I-131 decay into?
Iodine-131
Iodine-131 (131I, I-131) is an important radioisotope of iodine discovered by Glenn Seaborg and John Livingood in 1938 at the University of California, Berkeley. It has a radioactive decay half-life of about eight days….Iodine-131.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Names | iodine-131, I-131, radioiodine |
| Protons | 53 |
| Neutrons | 78 |
| Nuclide data |
What is radioactive iodine 131 used for medically?
I-131 is used in medicine to diagnose and treat cancers of the thyroid gland.
What are the benefits of iodine 131?
The potential benefits of I-131 adjuvant treatment include decreasing recurrence and disease-specific mortality for unknown microscopic, locoregional, and/or distant metastatic disease.
Why is iodine 131 used to monitor thyroid?
I-131 is a radioactive iodine salt that alters the mechanism of iodine absorption in the thyroid gland. Its use is particularly useful in the destruction of cells in the thyroid gland that are overactive. It can also be used in diagnostic imaging techniques used for pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma.
Where can iodine-131 be found?
Iodine-131 is found in the gaseous and liquid waste streams of nuclear power plants, but is not released to the environment during normal reactor operations.
Is iodine-131 harmful to the environment?
Iodine-129 and I-131 are the most commonly used radioisotopes and will have the greatest impact on the environment if released.
How long does iodine 131 stay in the body?
The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine. Very small amounts may leave in your saliva, sweat, or feces.
What careers use iodine 131?
Overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism) Iodine-131 therapy is usually given in a hospital outpatients department or private radiology practice that offers nuclear medicine services.
How can I get I-131?
I-131 is produced commercially for medical and industrial uses through nuclear fission. It also is a byproduct of nuclear fission processes in nuclear reactors and weapons testing.