Yttrium-90

Yttrium-90 (90Y) is a radioactive isotope of yttrium. It is used in various medical and industrial applications due to its high energy beta radiation and relatively short half-life.

Properties

Yttrium-90 is a beta emitter, with a half-life of 64.1 hours. It decays into Zirconium-90 through beta decay, releasing high energy electrons in the process. The high energy of these electrons makes Yttrium-90 useful in a variety of applications.

Production

Yttrium-90 is typically produced in a nuclear reactor by neutron activation of Yttrium-89. The Yttrium-89 absorbs a neutron to become Yttrium-90.

Medical Applications

Yttrium-90 is used in several types of radiation therapy, including brachytherapy and radioimmunotherapy. In brachytherapy, Yttrium-90 is used in the form of tiny radiation sources that are placed inside or near the area requiring treatment. In radioimmunotherapy, Yttrium-90 is attached to monoclonal antibodies that target specific cancer cells.

Industrial Applications

In industry, Yttrium-90 is used as a radiotracer in various applications, including in the oil and gas industry to trace the flow of fluids in wells.

Safety

As a radioactive substance, Yttrium-90 must be handled with care to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation. Proper radiation protection measures should be taken when handling or disposing of Yttrium-90.

See Also

• Yttrium
• Radioisotope
• Radiation therapy
• Brachytherapy
• Radioimmunotherapy