TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Health has reported that nine people have tested positive for internal contamination of Cesium-137 (Cs-137). This resulted from the examination of 1,562 workers and residents around the Cikande Modern Industrial Area, Serang, Banten. These nine individuals are reportedly asymptomatic but are receiving treatment, including the administration of Prussian blue to facilitate internal decontamination.
The examination of the workers and residents was initiated following the discovery of Cs-137 contamination at a scrap iron smelting factory within the industrial area. Tracing efforts began after contamination was found in frozen shrimp products exported to the United States in March. It was later revealed that the Cs-137 radionuclide might have reached the shrimp packaging warehouse in Cikande via wind blowing from the iron smelting factory.
If the contamination in the shrimp was reportedly below the safe threshold, what are the implications for the exposed workers and residents?
The Ministry of Environment sealed the area suspected of containing radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) in Cikande, Serang Regency, Banten, on September 11, 2025. Antara/HO-KLH
Understanding the Effects of Cs-137 Exposure
According to Professor of Nuclear Medicine at Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Dr. Achmad Hussein Kartamihardja, the negative effects of radiation depend on the amount and duration of Cesium-137 exposure.
He explained that the effects of exposure to radioactive materials can be classified as:
- Deterministic Effects: Impacts that are immediately visible, such as reddened or burnt skin, blistering, or open wounds that risk infection.
- Stochastic Effects: Effects resulting from minimal or moderate, but prolonged or continuous, radiation exposure.
"The radiation exposure may be minimal or moderate but prolonged or continuous," Achmad said on Monday, October 6, 2025.
According to him, those exposed stochastically initially show no symptoms or health complaints. However, over time, symptoms related to cell transformation may emerge. While certain body cells naturally die, radioactive exposure can disrupt this process, causing cells to continue dividing rapidly and excessively, a mechanism similar to the development of cancer cells.
"The concern so far has been the stochastic effect because it is not immediately apparent," Achmad noted. Another serious implication is tied to Cesium-137's 30-year half-life; "It takes 30 years for half of the Cesium to disappear from the body."
How Cs-137 Harms the Body
Cesium-137 that enters the body has chemical characteristics similar to potassium, a mineral required by the body. This similarity allows Cs-137 to enter cells as part of normal metabolism and spread throughout the body.
Its impact on body cells can cause the radioactive material to spread to the bone marrow, potentially disrupting the immune system and causing a decrease in white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets.
Radiation hazard surveillance warning board at the site of the Cesium-137 contamination discovery in the Modern Industrial Area of Cikande, Serang Regency, Banten, October 2, 2025. Antara/Angga Budhiyanto
Severe exposure can cause:
- Digestive Disturbances: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, and internal infections.
- Neurological Damage: "If the nerves are affected, it can be very severe; the person may appear confused, have seizures, be disoriented, go into a coma, and even die within hours or days," Achmad warned.
Testing and Prevention
For individuals detected with Cesium-137 exposure, Achmad stated that further blood tests will be conducted to determine the levels of leukocytes, platelets, and also to examine sperm health. Importantly, Achmad stated that individuals with accumulated radiation exposure will not transmit it to others.
In the event of radiation accidents, examining officers must wear lead-containing garments. This is "to prevent radiation exposure from the rays emitted by Cesium-137, especially its gamma rays, which have great penetrating power," he concluded.
Editor’s Choice: What Are the Dangers of Radioactive Contamination of Food?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
