Radioactivity determination (cesium 134 and 137)

Radioactive cesium, particularly its isotopes 134 and 137, is a key marker of environmental contamination linked to nuclear fallout, industrial accidents or atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic origin. These isotopes are particularly persistent and can accumulate in soils, plants and the food chain. The measurement of radioactivity via cesium 134 and cesium 137 makes it possible to quantify radioactivity in various types of natural, food or environmental matrices.

Why measure the radioactivity of cesium 134 and 137?

Cesium-137, with a half-life of approximately 30 years, is a fission product of nuclear fuel. It is often associated with events such as nuclear tests, Chernobyl, or Fukushima. Cesium-134, which is rarer, is a complementary indicator of recent origin. Its detection is essential in several cases:

• Monitoring of food products from areas exposed to radioactive fallout
• Control of plant raw materials, particularly in agriculture and animal nutrition
• Assessment of contamination of soils, sludge, sediments or natural extracts
• Regulatory compliance according to national or European standards (e.g. EC Regulation No. 733/2008)

These dosages help to guarantee consumer safety, prevent risks linked to chronic radioactivity, and ensure the traceability of products from sensitive sectors.

Analysis methods used

The analysis of cesium 134 and 137 is carried out by high-resolution gamma spectrometry, a reference technique for specifically identifying and quantifying radioactive isotopes in a sample. This method is based on the detection of gamma radiation emitted by each isotope, using a high-purity semiconductor detector (usually HPGe germanium) combined with a signal processing system.

The samples are packaged in specific geometries (tanks, capsules) and subjected to a long counting period to obtain high sensitivity, compatible with the very low regulatory thresholds required for food or nutraceuticals.

Analyzable matrices

There are many matrices that can contain radioactive cesium and these concern both food industries and materials from the environment:

• Agricultural and food products: cereals, fodder, herbs, beehive products
• Plant ingredients: plant extracts, powders, raw materials for animal nutrition
• Water, sludge, sediment: environmental control and monitoring of discharges
• Soil, substrates, composts: traceability of agricultural or forestry areas

Areas of application

The dosage of radioactive cesium concerns several sectors:

• Animal nutrition: verification of the safety of raw materials and fodder
• Food industry: compliance of imported foodstuffs or foods from sensitive areas
• Environment: monitoring of radioactivity in soils, sludge or post-accident sites
• Plants and natural extracts: quality control of medicinal plants, infusions, supplements
• Import-export: requirements of customs or health authorities for certain products

A network of accredited laboratories for your analyses

YesWeLab relies on a national and European network of partner laboratories specialized in radiological analyses, ISO 17025 certified and, in some cases, COFRAC accredited for gamma radioactivity measurements. Each request is processed according to the nature of the matrices, the desired detection thresholds and the applicable regulatory requirements. We ensure complete traceability and clear restitution of results, accompanied if necessary by an interpretation by our scientific experts.

Further analyses recommended

Depending on your matrix or your objectives, the dosage of cesium 134/137 can be supplemented by other services:

• Determination of lead and cadmium
• Analysis of dioxins and PCBs

Get your quote for a radiological analysis

Do you need to test for the presence of radioactive cesium in an ingredient, food, or environmental sample? Submit your request on our platform: our team will identify the most suitable laboratory, the most sensitive method, and provide you with a quick quote. Trust YesWeLab for your reliable, fast, and regulatory-compliant radioactivity analyses.