|
|
|
|
|
                |
|
||
 |
Multimedia |
 |
||
 |
||||
|
 |
|
||||
|
Radium-226 Radium-226 is a naturally occurring radioisotope, formed by the decay of uranium-238. Radium-226 emits alpha and gamma radiation, and has a half-life of about 1,600 years. Before the dangers of radium were understood, the glow-in-the-dark property of radium-226 was commonly used for clock faces, paint for aircraft dials and gauges, and other industrial products. Radium-226 was also used for cancer treatment and to scan for flaws below the surface in metal parts.
The alpha and gamma radiation emitted from radium-226 can cause harm if large enough amounts are inhaled, ingested, or if the body is directly exposed to the material. Once in the body, radium-226 can settle in the bones and increase the risk of cancer and blood diseases. |
|
|
|||
|
|
 |
|
  |
This
material is produced independently for NTI by the Center for Nonproliferation
Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does
not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently
verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, agents.
|
