Toxicity of becquerels

The toxic effects of radioactivity in the human body (measured in Sv) does not depend only on the number of Becquerels (Bq) ingested but also on the value of the specific coefficient between Sv and Bq, as can be seen in the example below :

Element
Nombre de µSv/Bq
Tritium
0,000018
Carbone 14
0,00058
Ruthénium 106
0,007
Césium 137
0,013
Plutonium 239
0,25
Polonium 210
1.2

For example : 1 Bq of Cesium 137 is 100 times less toxic than 1 Bq de Polonium 210 (abundant in the atmosphere). And Polonium 210 is 5 times more toxic than Plutonium 239.

 

Source : Jacques Pradel, ancien Président de la Societé Française de Radioprotection.

 

©Photo Luc Massart/IBC