Strontium-90: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:33, 16 February 2025

Strontium-90[edit]

Strontium-90 (Sr-90) is a radioactive isotope of the element strontium, with an atomic number of 38 and a mass number of 90. It is a byproduct of nuclear fission found in nuclear fallout and has significant implications in both environmental science and medicine.

Properties[edit]

Strontium-90 is a beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of approximately 28.8 years. It decays into yttrium-90, which is also radioactive. The beta particles emitted by Sr-90 have a maximum energy of 0.546 MeV, making it a significant source of radiation.

Occurrence[edit]

Strontium-90 is not found naturally in the environment. It is produced in nuclear reactors and during nuclear explosions. As a result, it is commonly associated with nuclear fallout and is a concern in the context of nuclear accidents and weapons testing.

Health Effects[edit]

Strontium-90 is chemically similar to calcium and can be incorporated into bones and teeth, where it can remain for extended periods. This property makes it particularly hazardous, as it can irradiate bone marrow and increase the risk of bone cancer and leukemia.

Uses[edit]

Despite its hazards, strontium-90 has several applications:

Medical Applications: It is used in radiotherapy for treating certain types of cancer, particularly in the form of strontium-90 eye applicators for treating superficial eye conditions.
Industrial Applications: Strontium-90 is used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for providing power in remote locations.

Environmental Impact[edit]

The presence of strontium-90 in the environment is primarily due to past atmospheric nuclear tests. It can contaminate soil and water, entering the food chain and posing a risk to human health. Monitoring and remediation efforts are essential to manage its impact.

Related Pages[edit]

Template:Isotopes of strontium

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-'''Strontium-90''' ('''90Sr''') is a radioactive isotope of [[strontium]], a chemical element with the symbol Sr and atomic number 38. It is produced by nuclear fission and is one of the more hazardous constituents of [[nuclear fallout]]. Strontium-90 has a half-life of approximately 28.8 years, decaying into [[yttrium-90]] through beta decay, which in turn decays into stable [[zirconium-90]].
+== Strontium-90 ==
-==Production==
+[[File:Strontium_90_(test_source)_in_tin.jpg|thumb|right|Strontium-90 test source in tin]]
-Strontium-90 is produced during nuclear fission, which occurs in nuclear reactors and during the detonation of nuclear weapons. It is one of the numerous fission products that result when uranium-235 or plutonium-239 absorbs a neutron and splits into lighter elements. Due to its relatively long half-life and its similarity to calcium, strontium-90 is of particular environmental and health concern.
-==Chemical Properties==
+'''Strontium-90''' ('''Sr-90''') is a radioactive isotope of the element [[strontium]], with an atomic number of 38 and a mass number of 90. It is a byproduct of nuclear fission found in nuclear fallout and has significant implications in both environmental science and medicine.
-As a member of the alkaline earth metals, strontium shares many chemical properties with calcium. This similarity allows strontium, including the radioactive isotope strontium-90, to be incorporated into bones and teeth, where it can remain for many years, emitting beta radiation.
-==Health Effects==
+== Properties ==
-The primary health risk associated with exposure to strontium-90 is an increased likelihood of bone cancer and leukemia. This risk is due to its incorporation into bone and bone marrow, where its radiation can damage the DNA of bone marrow cells. Additionally, strontium-90 can affect the creation of blood cells, potentially leading to anemia and other blood disorders.
-==Environmental Impact==
+Strontium-90 is a beta-emitting radionuclide with a half-life of approximately 28.8 years. It decays into [[yttrium-90]], which is also radioactive. The beta particles emitted by Sr-90 have a maximum energy of 0.546 MeV, making it a significant source of radiation.
-Strontium-90 can enter the environment through nuclear accidents, nuclear weapon tests, and the disposal of nuclear waste. Once in the environment, it can contaminate soil and water. Plants and animals can absorb strontium-90 from their surroundings, leading to bioaccumulation and potentially affecting entire ecosystems.
-==Detection and Measurement==
+== Occurrence ==
-The presence of strontium-90 in the environment and biological samples can be detected and measured using various techniques, such as liquid scintillation counting and gamma spectrometry. These methods allow for the monitoring of strontium-90 levels in the environment and the assessment of potential exposure risks to humans and wildlife.
-==Mitigation and Cleanup==
+Strontium-90 is not found naturally in the environment. It is produced in nuclear reactors and during nuclear explosions. As a result, it is commonly associated with nuclear fallout and is a concern in the context of nuclear accidents and weapons testing.
-Efforts to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of strontium-90 include the cleanup of contaminated sites, the safe disposal of nuclear waste, and the implementation of stricter regulations on nuclear tests and reactors. Additionally, treatments such as chelation therapy may be used to remove strontium-90 from the body, although this process can be challenging due to its chemical similarity to calcium.
-==Conclusion==
+== Health Effects ==
-Strontium-90 is a byproduct of nuclear fission with significant health and environmental impacts due to its long half-life and its ability to mimic calcium in biological systems. Monitoring, mitigation, and cleanup efforts are essential to manage the risks associated with this radioactive isotope.
+Strontium-90 is chemically similar to [[calcium]] and can be incorporated into bones and teeth, where it can remain for extended periods. This property makes it particularly hazardous, as it can irradiate bone marrow and increase the risk of bone cancer and leukemia.
+== Uses ==
+Despite its hazards, strontium-90 has several applications:
+* '''Medical Applications''': It is used in radiotherapy for treating certain types of cancer, particularly in the form of strontium-90 eye applicators for treating superficial eye conditions.
+* '''Industrial Applications''': Strontium-90 is used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for providing power in remote locations.
+== Environmental Impact ==
+The presence of strontium-90 in the environment is primarily due to past atmospheric nuclear tests. It can contaminate soil and water, entering the food chain and posing a risk to human health. Monitoring and remediation efforts are essential to manage its impact.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Strontium]]
+* [[Radioactive decay]]
+* [[Nuclear fission]]
+* [[Nuclear fallout]]
+* [[Radioisotope thermoelectric generator]]
+{{Nuclear technology}}
+{{Isotopes of strontium}}
 [[Category:Radioactive isotopes]]
-[[Category:Strontium]]
+[[Category:Nuclear chemistry]]
-[[Category:Nuclear fallout]]
+[[Category:Environmental science]]
-{{medicine-stub}}