TSUKUBA, Ibaraki Prefecture--Researchers at the National Institute of Materials Science have developed a spray that can help detect radioactive cesium, potentially providing an efficient new tool for workers involved in decontamination work.
TSUKUBA, Ibaraki Prefecture--Researchers at the National Institute of Materials Science have developed a spray that can help detect radioactive cesium, potentially providing an efficient new tool for workers involved in decontamination work.Workers spray the liquid on a material needing testing and then turn on an ultraviolet lamp. If radioactive cesium is present, it glows with a bluish-green light."After more in-depth studies on its effect on humans and the environment, we hope to produce the product commercially within two to three years," said a member of the research team.The liquid comprises three common chemicals found in retail outlets, including ethylene glycol, which is used in antifreeze. The reagents are mixed together and dissolved in alcohol to create a sprayable consistency.The test can detect minute traces of cesium. It can even be used to confirm in which organs of a fish the potentially harmful isotope has accumulated.It currently costs about 2,500 yen ($30) to create the liquid needed to test one square meter of soil for cesium contamination. However, officials said the cost could come down to a few tens of yen under mass production. The ultraviolet lamps needed similarly run to several thousands of yen.