polonium210

Polonium-210 is a radioactive isotope of the element polonium, with atomic number 84 and a mass number of 210. It occurs as a natural decay product in the uranium-238 decay series and, in practical terms, is produced commercially by irradiating bismuth-209 in a nuclear reactor. Polonium-210 is extremely radioactive and has historically been studied for its alpha-emitting properties and its very high specific activity.

The isotope decays by alpha emission to stable lead-206, with a half-life of about 138 days. The emitted alpha particles carry energies around 5.3 MeV. Because alpha radiation is highly ionizing but has limited penetrating power, polonium-210 is particularly hazardous if ingested or inhaled; external exposure is less dangerous due to its opacity to alpha particles.

In terms of uses, polonium-210 has had limited applications due to its intense radioactivity and relatively short half-life compared with other isotopes. It has been used in specialized applications such as heat sources in early radioisotope devices and, in the past, for static elimination in certain industrial contexts. Today, longer-lived isotopes and alternative materials have largely replaced polonium-210 for those roles.

Safety and handling are major considerations. Even tiny quantities can be highly radiotoxic if not properly contained, making strict licensing and specialized facilities essential for production, handling, and disposal. Notable public and historical interest includes its use in a high-profile poisoning case in 2006, which underscored the health and security risks associated with alpha-emitting radioisotopes.