Polonium234

Polonium-234 is a radioactive isotope of the element polonium (Po) with a mass number of 234. It occurs in the natural uranium-238 decay chain as a short‑lived intermediate produced by beta decay of bismuth-234, and it decays further by alpha emission to a lead isotope. Like other polonium isotopes, Po-234 is an alpha emitter.

Properties and decay. Po-234 has a relatively short half‑life, on the order of days, making it transient in natural samples. Its decay mode is exclusively alpha decay, releasing high‑energy helium nuclei and contributing to its radiotoxicity in cases of internal exposure. The alpha particles themselves have very limited penetration, but they can cause significant biological damage if polonium compounds are ingested or inhaled.

Occurrence and production. In nature, Po-234 appears as a trace product of uranium ore processing and the natural uranium-238 decay series. Because of its short half‑life, Po-234 is typically present only in tiny quantities in environmental samples. It can also be produced artificially in research settings by nuclear reactions, though such production is limited and mainly for scientific investigation rather than commercial use.

Applications and safety. Polonium-234 is primarily of historical and research interest, contributing to the study of radioactive decay chains and alpha spectroscopy. Due to its intense radiotoxicity, handling Po-234 requires stringent safety measures, with emphasis on containment and prevention of inhalation or ingestion. External exposure poses relatively low risk, but internal exposure can be highly hazardous.

See also. Polonium, Radioactive decay, Uranium-238 decay chain.