olonium-210
Overview
Polonium-210 is a radioactive isotope of polonium, a rare and highly toxic metalloid. It is primarily known for its use in nuclear industries, but it can also be used maliciously as a poison due to its high toxicity.
 
Properties
Radioactivity: Polonium-210 emits alpha particles, which can be stopped by skin or a sheet of paper but can cause severe internal damage if ingested or inhaled.
Half-life: It has a half-life of about 138 days, decaying into stable lead-206 through alpha decay.
 
Sources
Natural Occurrence: Found in trace amounts in uranium ores and minerals.
Industrial Use: Used in static eliminators, brushes, and sources of neutrons and alpha particles in research.
 
Toxicity
Lethal Dose: A tiny amount, about 1 microgram, can be fatal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through wounds.
Effects: Causes severe radiation damage to tissues, leading to organ failure and death.
 
Poisoning Symptoms
Initial Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Later Symptoms: Hair loss, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and suppression of bone marrow function.
 
Detection and Treatment
Detection: Polonium-210 can be detected through specialized tests that measure alpha radiation.
Treatment: There is no specific antidote. Treatment focuses on supportive care, including chelation therapy to remove polonium from the body.
 
Notable Cases
Alexander Litvinenko: A former Russian spy who died in 2006 from polonium-210 poisoning, suspected to be an assassination by Russian agents.
 
Handling and Safety
Safety Measures: Handling requires strict safety protocols due to its radioactive and toxic nature. Protective equipment and procedures are essential to prevent accidental exposure.
 
Conclusion
Polonium-210 is a highly toxic radioactive substance with no known safe threshold for exposure. Understanding its properties, effects, and the potential risks associated with exposure is crucial for safety and security measures.