Of the following isotopes released by a nuclear explosion, which one i...
Isotopes released by a nuclear explosion and their impact on human health:
Introduction:
A nuclear explosion releases various isotopes into the environment, which can have adverse effects on human health. The impact of these isotopes depends on their properties and half-lives.
Isotopes of concern:
Among the isotopes released by a nuclear explosion, cesium-137 and strontium-90 are of the greatest concern to human health.
Cesium-137:
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 30 years. It emits both gamma and beta particles. It can contaminate the environment through air, water, and food. Once ingested, it can accumulate in tissues and organs, leading to radiation sickness, cancer, and genetic mutations.
Strontium-90:
Strontium-90 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 29 years. It emits beta particles and can contaminate the environment through air, water, and food. Once ingested, it can accumulate in bones and teeth, leading to bone cancer, leukemia, and other diseases.
Iodine-131:
Iodine-131 is a radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 8 days. It emits beta and gamma particles and can contaminate the environment through air and food. Once ingested, it can accumulate in the thyroid gland, leading to thyroid cancer and other thyroid diseases. However, its short half-life and the availability of stable iodine for thyroid blocking limit its impact on human health.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, cesium-137 and strontium-90 are the isotopes of greatest concern to human health among those released by a nuclear explosion. Their properties, half-lives, and pathways of exposure and accumulation in the human body make them potent sources of radiation sickness, cancer, and genetic mutations.
Of the following isotopes released by a nuclear explosion, which one i...
Isotopes Released by a Nuclear Explosion
A nuclear explosion can release various isotopes that can pose a threat to human health. These isotopes can contaminate the environment and cause radiation exposure to the people living in the affected area. The following isotopes are commonly released by a nuclear explosion:
- Cesium-137
- Iodine-131
- Strontium-90
Greatest Concern to Human Health
Out of the above isotopes, cesium-137 and strontium-90 are of the greatest concern to human health. Both of these isotopes are radioactive and can persist in the environment for a long time, causing long-term exposure to radiation.
Cesium-137
Cesium-137 is a radioactive isotope that has a half-life of 30 years. It can contaminate the environment through the fallout from a nuclear explosion. Cesium-137 can accumulate in the food chain, and when consumed, it can cause radiation exposure to humans. It can cause cancer and other health problems, such as genetic mutations.
Strontium-90
Strontium-90 is another radioactive isotope that can be released by a nuclear explosion. It has a half-life of 28 years and can contaminate the environment through fallout. Strontium-90 can accumulate in bones and teeth, causing radiation exposure to humans. It can cause bone cancer, leukemia, and other health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cesium-137 and strontium-90 are the isotopes of greatest concern to human health when released by a nuclear explosion. These isotopes can persist in the environment for a long time, causing long-term exposure to radiation and posing a threat to human health.