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Chapter 21: Problem 59

Why is strontium-90 a particularly dangerous isotope for humans?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Strontium-90 is particularly dangerous for humans because it is a radioactive isotope that our body mistakes for calcium. If strontium-90 is ingested or inhaled, it can be incorporated into bones and teeth, where it releases radiation over time. This prolonged exposure can lead to significant cellular damage and an increased risk of cancers, particularly bone cancer and leukemia.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Strontium-90

First, it is necessary to recognize that strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope. As it decays, it produces a beta particle and turns into yttrium-90, which is also radioactive. This process releases a significant amount of energy, which can damage living tissue and DNA.
02

Strontium-90 and the Human Body

The danger of strontium-90 to humans lies in its chemical similarity to calcium. As an alkaline earth metal, body systems are unable to differentiate between strontium and calcium. Thus, if strontium-90 is ingested or inhaled, it can be incorporated into bones and teeth like calcium would be, further concentrating the radioactivity inside the body.
03

The Long-Term Effects

Long term effects of strontium-90 in the human body are harmful due to its radioactive properties. Inside the human body, the radiation can cause cell damage and can increase the risk of cancer. Especially, bone cancer and leukemia are common as strontium-90 concentrates in the bone marrow.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A freshly isolated sample of \(90 \mathrm{Y}\) was found to have an activity of \(9.8 \times 10^{5}\) disintegrations per minute at 1: 00 P.M. on December \(3,2000 .\) At 2: 15 P.M. on December \(17,2000,\) its activity was redetermined and found to be \(2.6 \times 10^{4}\) disintegrations per minute. Calculate the half-life of \(90 \mathrm{Y}\).

Write balanced nuclear equations for these reactions and identify \(X:(a){ }_{34}^{80} S e(d, p) X,(b) X(d, 2 p)_{3}^{9} L i,\) (c) \({ }_{5}^{10} \mathrm{~B}(\mathrm{n}, \alpha) \mathrm{X}\).

What is the difference between an electron and a positron?

The radioactive decay of \(\mathrm{T} 1-206\) to \(\mathrm{Pb}-206\) has a half- life of 4.20 min. Starting with \(5.00 \times 10^{22}\) atoms of \(\mathrm{Tl}-206,\) calculate the number of such atoms left after 42.0 min.

Why do radioactive decay series obey first-order kinetics?
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