strontium-90
Quick Summary
Strontium-90 is a heavy, radioactive isotope of strontium with a half-life of 29 years. It is a hazardous component of nuclear waste and fallout. Because strontium-90 is chemically similar to calcium, it can be absorbed into biological processes and accumulate in the bones of humans and animals. This accumulation is dangerous because the emitted radiation can damage bone marrow, impair blood cell formation, and potentially lead to cancer. While generally toxic, strontium supplements can be used to increase bone density and growth.123
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- poisonLocal toxicities of common beta-particle emitters
…tritium and cesium-137, the isotopes strontium-90, iodine-131, and cerium-144 emit beta particles that are not distributed evenly in the body. Strontium-90 releases only beta particles, while iodine-131 and cerium-144 release both beta particles and gamma rays, but their toxicities are primarily caused by the beta particles. These radioisotopes produce toxicities…
Read More…tritium and cesium-137, the isotopes strontium-90, iodine-131, and cerium-144 emit beta particles that are not distributed evenly in the body. Strontium-90 releases only beta particles, while iodine-131 and cerium-144 release both beta particles and gamma rays, but their toxicities are primarily caused by the beta particles. These radioisotopes produce toxicities…
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UkraineEnvironmental concerns…and long-lived radioactive isotopes, notably strontium-90, which can replace calcium in foods and become concentrated in bones and teeth. Contaminated agricultural lands near Chernobyl will be unsafe for thousands of years, though some of these areas continue to be occupied and farmed. Several thousand premature deaths from cancer are expected…
Read More…and long-lived radioactive isotopes, notably strontium-90, which can replace calcium in foods and become concentrated in bones and teeth. Contaminated agricultural lands near Chernobyl will be unsafe for thousands of years, though some of these areas continue to be occupied and farmed. Several thousand premature deaths from cancer are expected…
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