Understanding Potential Health Impacts Caused by Cesium-137 Contamination in Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia: A Review

Abstract

In early 2020, a residential area in Tangerang Selatan, named Batan Indah, was found to be contaminated by radioactive material. The contaminated area was located in an unoccupied field which is nearby pedestrian and car access. The area was contaminated with Cesium-137 (137Cs) which had potential impacts on the health of nearby residents. However, the decontamination of 137Cs by cleaning up and remediation process was performed. The publicexposure assessment for theresidents living in the area was also performed and the radiation level was below the doselimit according to the current guideline. This review article summarized the radioactive contamination case in Batan Indah. It is also explained the potential health impacts triggered by 137Cs to help the public based to understand the case based on scientific review. Moreover, the additional information about 137Cs exposure pathways was explained to help scientists and policymakers communicate with the general public.