Foods Containing Cesium
Cesium is a radioactive metal that reacts violently with air and water in its purest form, but the cesium dust found naturally in the environment produces only a negligible trace of it in food.
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Sources of Cesium
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Cesium compounds are released during the erosion process and can be found in rocks, soil, water and air. There is no way to completely avoid ingesting cesium because most plants, animals and water in our food supply have been exposed to it.
Foods Containing Cesium
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Because the entire food chain is exposed to it, cesium is found in milk, meat, fish, plant foods and even breast milk. In most cases, the trace amounts of cesium we ingest are harmless, and cesium eventually leaves our systems through the natural digestion process.
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Avoiding Cesium
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It is impossible to completely eliminate cesium and other radioactive compounds in the food supply. Governments around the world, however, have prohibited any livestock or crop production wherever nuclear accidents have occurred.
Effects of Too Much Cesium
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An excess of cesium or any other radioactive material can lead to serious health issues such as cancer. Vomiting, diarrhea, coma and death can also occur.
Symptoms of Harmful Exposure
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It is highly unlikely for most people to be over-exposed to cesium from the food supply. Harmful exposure to cesium may occur from a nuclear accident or detonation of a nuclear weapon or if you're employed at a nuclear facility.
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