polônio210

Polonium-210, often abbreviated as Po-210 or 210Po, is a radioactive isotope of polonium. It is a rare element naturally occurring in uranium ores. Polonium-210 is a pure alpha emitter, meaning it decays by emitting alpha particles, which are helium nuclei. Alpha particles have a very short range and can be stopped by a sheet of paper or the outer layer of skin, making them relatively harmless when external to the body. However, if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed into the body, polonium-210 is extremely toxic and dangerous due to its high radioactivity and a half-life of approximately 138 days.

The biological danger of polonium-210 stems from its ability to deposit in tissues and irradiate them from within. Its alpha emissions can cause significant cellular damage, increasing the risk of cancer and other health problems. Historically, polonium-210 gained notoriety due to its use in assassinations. Its potent radioactivity and relatively short half-life make it a challenging substance to detect and handle, although its gamma radiation is minimal, making it difficult to trace externally.

In industrial and scientific applications, polonium-210 has been used in specific niche areas. For instance, it has been employed as a heat source in thermoelectric generators for spacecraft due to its high decay heat. It has also found limited use in antistatic devices and as a neutron source when combined with beryllium. However, due to its extreme toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives, its use is highly regulated and restricted. The production of polonium-210 typically involves the irradiation of bismuth in nuclear reactors.