Strontium

Strontium is a yellow metal whose absorption causes bone damage as strontium atoms cause calcium to be removed from bones. The beta-emitting radioactive isotope strontium-90 is used during radiation therapy for contact therapy used to treat tumors of the skin and eyes. Designation: Sr.

Strontium (Sr) is a metal element that was discovered in 1790 in Scotland. It got its name from the Scottish town of Stronsey, where the first example of this element was found. Strontium has atomic number 38 on the periodic table of elements. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that becomes coated with an oxide film in the presence of oxygen in the air.

Strontium has many uses nowadays due to its properties. For example, it is used to make fireworks, paints, magnets and ceramic materials. However, like many other elements, strontium also has dangerous properties.

One of the radioactive isotopes of strontium, strontium-90, can be harmful to human health. This isotope can be formed as a result of nuclear explosions or accidents at nuclear power plants. Strontium-90 has a half-life of 28 years and emits beta particles when it decays. These particles can penetrate human skin and tissue, causing damage to DNA and other cellular structures, which can lead to the development of cancer and other diseases.

However, despite its potential dangers, strontium-90 can also be used in medicine. Its radioactive properties can be used to treat cancer, in particular, for contact therapy in the treatment of tumors of the skin and eyes. In this case, strontium-90 is applied to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes, where it releases radiation aimed at the tumor.

In addition, strontium can affect human health if it enters the body through food or water. Strontium atoms can displace calcium in bones, leading to bone damage and poor bone health. In this regard, in some regions of the world, measures are being taken to control the level of strontium in food and water.

In conclusion, strontium is a metal that has both beneficial properties and dangerous ones. Its radioactive properties can be used medically to treat tumors, but they can also be harmful to human health if ingested in large quantities. Therefore, it is important to take precautions and monitor the levels of strontium in the environment.

Strontium is a chemical element from the 3rd period of the periodic table. The name of this metal comes from the name of the country Sri Lanka, a state in South Asia. It is one of the main metals exported to the world market. This element has only three stable isotopes. The most common of them is strontium-84. The remaining two isotopes account for only 1/2 of the total metal mined. The least common strontium isotopes found in nature are those with nuclear mass fractions of 99 MeV and 120 MeV. These two atoms are radioactive - radioactive strontium, which decays in about 3 days. But the chemistry of strontium itself is such that in its pure form this metal is almost never used.