Strontium-90

Definition

Strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope of strontium that is produced through nuclear fission processes, particularly in nuclear reactors and during atomic bomb explosions. It has a half-life of approximately 28.8 years, making it significant in the context of both natural and artificial radioactivity as it poses long-term environmental and health risks due to its similarity to calcium, leading to bioaccumulation in bones and teeth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strontium-90 is created when uranium or plutonium undergoes fission, making it a common byproduct of nuclear reactions.
2. Due to its chemical properties, strontium-90 can easily replace calcium in biological systems, leading to accumulation in bones and posing serious health risks like bone cancer and leukemia.
3. The isotope was released into the environment during atmospheric nuclear tests in the mid-20th century, causing widespread contamination and public health concerns.
4. Strontium-90 emits beta particles, which are negatively charged particles that can cause significant biological damage upon exposure.
5. Monitoring and controlling strontium-90 levels is crucial in managing environmental health risks associated with nuclear power and weapons testing.

Review Questions

• How does strontium-90's chemical behavior affect its impact on human health?
  • Strontium-90's chemical behavior closely resembles that of calcium, allowing it to be incorporated into bones and teeth when ingested or absorbed. This similarity increases the risk of serious health effects, including bone cancer and leukemia, because the beta radiation emitted by strontium-90 can damage bone marrow and other tissues. Therefore, understanding this behavior is crucial for assessing the risks associated with exposure to this isotope.
• Discuss the implications of strontium-90 release from nuclear fission on environmental safety and public health.
  • The release of strontium-90 from nuclear fission poses significant threats to environmental safety and public health due to its long half-life and tendency to bioaccumulate in living organisms. Following nuclear accidents or atmospheric testing, contaminated areas can lead to chronic exposure for populations living nearby. Effective monitoring and remediation strategies are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure that communities are protected from the harmful effects of radiation.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of strontium-90 contamination in ecosystems and its regulation in nuclear policies.
  • Strontium-90 contamination can have long-term consequences on ecosystems, as it affects not just human health but also wildlife that may accumulate the isotope through food chains. The regulatory framework surrounding nuclear policies must include stringent monitoring protocols and decontamination measures to address existing pollution. Furthermore, policies should emphasize prevention strategies that reduce the likelihood of releases during nuclear operations, thereby safeguarding both environmental integrity and public health over time.

Related terms

Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, leading to the transformation into different elements or isotopes.

Fission:

A nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy.

Radiotoxicity:

The degree to which a substance is toxic due to its radioactivity, affecting living organisms and the environment when ingested or absorbed.