Radioactivity measurement (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. Measuring radioactivity using cesium-134 and cesium-137 allows for the quantification of radioactivity in various types of natural, food, and 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, and Fukushima. Cesium-134, which is rarer, is a complementary indicator of more recent origin. Their detection is essential in several cases:

• Monitoring of food products from areas exposed to radioactive fallout
• Control of plant-based 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 measurements help to guarantee consumer safety, prevent risks related to chronic radioactivity, and ensure the traceability of products from sensitive sectors.

Analysis methods used

Cesium-134 and cesium-137 analysis is performed by high-resolution gamma spectrometry, a reference technique for specifically identifying and quantifying radioactive isotopes in a sample. This method relies on detecting the gamma radiation emitted by each isotope, using a high-purity semiconductor detector (usually made of HPGe germanium) coupled 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

Matrices that can contain radioactive cesium are numerous and concern both the food industry and materials from the environment:

• Agricultural and food products: cereals, fodder, herbs, bee products
• Plant-based ingredients: plant extracts, powders, raw materials for animal nutrition
• Water, sludge, sediments: environmental control and discharge monitoring
• Soil, substrates, compost: traceability of agricultural or forest areas

Areas of application

The measurement of radioactive cesium is relevant to several sectors:

• Animal nutrition: verification of the safety of raw materials and feed
• Agri-food: compliance of imported foodstuffs or foodstuffs from sensitive areas
• Environment: monitoring of radioactivity in soils, sludge or post-accident sites
• Natural plants and extracts: quality control of medicinal plants, infusions, supplements
• Import-export: customs or health authority requirements for certain products

A network of accredited laboratories for your analyses

YesWeLab relies on a national and European network of partner laboratories specializing in radiological analyses, certified to ISO 17025 and, in some cases, accredited by COFRAC 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 reporting of results, accompanied, if necessary, by an interpretation from our scientific experts.

Further analyses recommended

Depending on your matrix or objectives, cesium 134/137 testing can be complemented by other services:

• Lead and cadmium dosage
• Analysis of dioxins and PCBs

Get your quote for a radiological analysis

Do you need to check for the presence of radioactive cesium in an ingredient, food product, 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 prompt quote. Trust YesWeLab for reliable, fast, and regulatory-compliant radioactivity analyses.