Radioactive iodine (radioiodine) is given to patients with some forms of thyroid cancer in order to destroy the cancer cells. 1311 has a half-life of 8
days. Women who have been treated with 1311 are advised to not become pregnant for 180 days (approximately 6 months) to avoid the
radioactive contamination of a developing fetus.
If a woman has been given a dose of 10 mCi (millicurie, a measurement of radiation), how much 1311 will still be in her system when she can
safely become pregnant?
O 22.5 x 10-6 mc
O 3.125% of the original isotope
O 1.7 x 10-6 ma
O There will be no iodine-131 left in her system after 180 days.