Iodine-131
Iodine-131
Iodine-131 (I-131 or 131I; also called radioiodine) is an important radioisotope of Iodine discovered by Glenn T. Seaborg and John Livingood in 1938 at the University of California, Berkeley. It has a radioactive decay half-life of about eight days. Its uses are mostly medical and pharmaceutical. It also plays a major role in nuclear medicine.
Pronunciation
Iodine-131: /aɪˈəʊdaɪn/ - /wʌn ˈθɜːrtiː wʌn/
Etymology
The term "Iodine" originates from the Greek word iodes, meaning "violet". The number 131 refers to the atomic mass of the isotope.
Uses
Iodine-131 is commonly used in medicine, specifically in the treatment of thyroid cancer and hyperthyroidism. It is also used in diagnostic imaging to help identify thyroid abnormalities.
Related Terms
- Radioisotope: An isotope that exhibits radioactive decay.
- Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
- Thyroid cancer: A type of cancer that starts in the thyroid gland.
- Hyperthyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
- Nuclear medicine: A medical specialty involving the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Safety and Precautions
While Iodine-131 is beneficial in medical treatments, it is also a major contributor to nuclear fallout and can pose a significant health risk if improperly handled. Therefore, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines when using this substance.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Iodine-131
- Wikipedia's article - Iodine-131
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