Strontium-90

Definition

Strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope of strontium that is produced as a byproduct of nuclear fission in reactors and during nuclear explosions. This isotope has a half-life of about 28.8 years and is known for its biological impacts, particularly its ability to mimic calcium in living organisms, leading to significant health risks such as bone cancer and leukemia when ingested or inhaled.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Strontium-90 is primarily generated during nuclear fission processes, particularly from uranium and plutonium fuel in nuclear reactors and atomic bombs.
2. Due to its chemical similarity to calcium, strontium-90 can be absorbed by bones and teeth in humans, posing serious health risks especially in children.
3. The presence of strontium-90 in the environment is a significant concern following nuclear accidents, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, leading to long-term contamination of soil and water.
4. Contamination from strontium-90 can lead to bioaccumulation in food chains, impacting not just human health but also wildlife and ecosystems.
5. Efforts to monitor and manage strontium-90 levels in the environment include radiation surveys and establishing safety regulations for food consumption near contaminated areas.

Review Questions

• How does strontium-90 affect biological systems, particularly regarding its interaction with calcium?
  • Strontium-90 affects biological systems due to its chemical similarity to calcium. When introduced into the body, it can replace calcium in bones and teeth, leading to potential health issues like bone cancer or leukemia. This mimicking effect poses heightened risks, especially for growing children who require calcium for their developing bones.
• Discuss the environmental impact of strontium-90 following nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima.
  • Following nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, strontium-90 becomes a major environmental contaminant due to its long half-life and ability to persist in the environment. It can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to bioaccumulation in plants and animals. As food chains are affected, this contamination poses serious risks not only to human health through food consumption but also disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife populations.
• Evaluate the long-term health implications of exposure to strontium-90 for populations near nuclear disaster sites.
  • The long-term health implications of exposure to strontium-90 for populations near nuclear disaster sites are severe and multifaceted. Chronic exposure increases the risk of developing bone-related cancers and other illnesses linked to radiation. Furthermore, because strontium-90 has a half-life of nearly 29 years, its presence ensures prolonged exposure risks for communities, complicating health monitoring efforts and necessitating ongoing medical surveillance and public health interventions.

Related terms

Radioactive decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation, resulting in the transformation into a different element or isotope.

Fission: A nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy, along with various radioactive isotopes including strontium-90.

Radionuclide: An unstable isotope that emits radiation as it decays to a more stable form, often contributing to environmental contamination and health hazards.