Krypton85

Krypton85 is a radioactive isotope of the noble gas krypton. Its chemical symbol is 85Kr. It is a beta emitter with a half-life of 10.77 years. Krypton85 is produced primarily as a byproduct of nuclear fission, particularly in nuclear reactors and during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. It is also released in small quantities from nuclear weapons testing.

Due to its gaseous nature, krypton85 can escape from containment and disperse into the atmosphere. This release is carefully monitored by regulatory bodies. While krypton85 is not considered highly toxic, prolonged exposure to high concentrations can be harmful. Its radioactive nature means it can contribute to overall radiation exposure.

In the past, krypton85 has been used in various industrial applications, such as in thickness gauges and luminescent paints, though these uses have largely been phased out due to its radioactivity. Current research explores its potential for specific medical imaging techniques. The main environmental concern associated with krypton85 is its contribution to the global radioactive background. Global atmospheric concentrations are relatively low but are tracked as an indicator of nuclear activity.