Determination of the capacity of Povidone-Iodine

for energy absorption of nuclear radiation.

Floyd Willis. Patricio*, Rome Anthony C. Garcia and Lugienor Lucille Roberto

National Institute of Physics, University of the Philippines Diliman,

Quezon City 1101,Philippines
floyd_patricio@yahoo.com, rcgarcia1123@gmail.com

Abstract

This study aims to test the nuclear radiation

absorption capacity of Povidone-Iodine. Four glass jars
were prepared having dimensions 3.3 cm wide and 2 mm
thick each filled with 24 mL of water given zero, 20, 30
amd 40 drops of Povidone Iodine respectively. The sample
was scanned for 30 seconds between the radioactive
sample and Geiger counter, a distance 5 cm from the
radioactive sample, one-by-one. Given the best-fit-line to
be a linear trendline with a regression of R=0.3462, it was
concluded that Povidone Iodine has no significant effect to
the penetration of the beta-gamma radiation.

1. Introduction
In 2010 tragedy struck Japan as an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear event
happened consecutively. The most worrying of which were the explosions that
occurred in the nuclear power plant which led to a significant leak in radiation.
Fearing the effects of radiation our countrys peoples started worrying despite what
PAG-ASA had said about the winds carrying radiation not reaching our country.
Sales in povidone-iodine suddenly surged as a text message started
circulating those povidone-iodine swabs on your skin could help protect you from
radiation. Soon after the Department of Health released a statement in the
newspaper saying that the swabs would do nothing against the radiation.
Since radiation strikes at the molecular level the chemistry of our bodies are
very vulnerable. Radiation can cause cancer and in severe instances can cause
radiation burns and radiation poisoning. The most a person can do against radiation
is to shield him/her from it.
Povidone-iodine is more commonly known with the brand name Betadine and
is used as an antiseptic for dressing wounds.
This study aims to determine if there is any scientific basis in the text that
was circulated that caused a significant social response and if it can be used for
medicinal purposes against radiation. Specifically, this study aims to test the
nuclear radiation absorption capacity of Povidone-Iodine.

2. Methodology
1

For the experiment, four glass jars were prepared. These were 3.3 cm wide
and were made up of 2 mm thick glass. Each was filled with 24 mL of water. These
samples were given 20 drops, 40 drops and 60 drops of povidone-iodine
respectively. For data gathering we used a PASCO Scientific Geiger counter with
Data Studio software. A sample of caesium-137 was setup 10 cm from the Geiger
counter.
Caesium-137 decays by beta emission into barium-137. Barium-137 is
responsible for gamma emissions. (1)
The sample was scanned for 30 seconds without any barrier between the
sample and Geiger counter. This data was used as a basis of the effectiveness of the
samples in absorbing the radiation energy emitted by the sample.
The four samples were then placed between the radioactive sample and
Geiger counter, a distance 5 cm from the radioactive sample, one-by-one. Data was
then collected for 30 seconds per sample.

Figure 2.1 Flowchart of the experimental design.

Figure 1.2 Diagram of the experimental set-up

3. Results and Discussion

The nuclear absorption capacity of Povidone Iodine was determined using a

beta-gamma emitting radioactive sample. Jars containing zero, 20, 40 and 60 drops
of betadine were scanned and their Geiger counts per minute were collected at 5cm sample to sensor distance for 30 seconds. These data were averaged per
number of drops and were plotted to get a relation. Figure 1.3 shows the plotted
graph of the radioactive absorption of Povidone Iodine as a function of number of
drops.

Figure 2 Average Geiger counts per minute for each number of drops.

Given the best-fit-line to be a linear trendline with a regression of R=0.3462.

It is valid to conclude that betadine has no significant effect to the penetration of
the beta-gamma radiation.

4. Conlusion and Recommendation

Based from the conducted experiment, it is therefore concluded that
Povidone Iodine has no significant capacity in absorbing nuclear radiation. It is also
concluded, based from the question raised from the introduction that the circulated
text message has no scientific basis.
The group then recommends that

References:

1. "NIST Nuclide Half-Life Measurements", National Institute of Standards and Technology,

Retrieved 13 March 2011