Strontium-90

Definition

Strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope of strontium that is produced through the fission of uranium and plutonium in nuclear reactors and during nuclear explosions. Its properties make it a significant concern in environmental science and health, especially due to its ability to accumulate in bones, mimicking calcium, which can lead to serious health issues such as bone cancer and leukemia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strontium-90 has a half-life of approximately 28.8 years, which means it remains radioactive for a long time, posing long-term environmental and health risks.
2. Due to its chemical similarity to calcium, strontium-90 can be absorbed by the human body and incorporated into bones, leading to potential bone marrow damage.
3. It was one of the major components of fallout from nuclear weapons testing in the mid-20th century, causing widespread contamination in certain regions.
4. In small amounts, strontium-90 can be used in medical applications such as radiotherapy for treating certain types of cancer.
5. Monitoring and managing strontium-90 contamination in the environment is crucial for public health and safety, particularly in areas affected by nuclear accidents or weapons testing.

Review Questions

• How does strontium-90 mimic calcium in the human body, and what are the implications of this behavior?
  • Strontium-90 mimics calcium because it is chemically similar and can be absorbed by biological systems where calcium is normally utilized. This leads to serious health implications as strontium-90 can accumulate in bones and bone marrow, increasing the risk of developing bone cancer and other hematological disorders. Understanding this behavior is crucial for evaluating the health risks associated with exposure to this radioactive isotope.
• Discuss the significance of strontium-90's half-life in relation to its environmental impact following nuclear events.
  • The half-life of strontium-90, which is about 28.8 years, plays a critical role in its long-term environmental impact. This relatively long half-life means that strontium-90 can remain radioactive for decades after a nuclear event, such as an explosion or reactor accident. As a result, it poses prolonged risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts to address contamination.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and risks associated with the use of strontium-90 in medical applications.
  • Strontium-90 has potential benefits in medicine, particularly in radiotherapy for treating specific cancers due to its radioactive properties. However, its use also carries significant risks since exposure can lead to serious health issues such as bone cancer or leukemia if not properly controlled. Balancing these benefits against the potential dangers is essential for safe application in medical treatments, making rigorous safety protocols necessary.

Related terms

Radioisotope: A variant of an element that has an unstable nucleus and emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form.

Radiotherapy: A medical treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells.

Fission:

The process by which a large atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and producing various radioactive isotopes.