Polonium-210

Polonium-210 (^210Po, historically known as Radium F) is a highly radioactive isotope of polonium. It is notable for its role in various applications ranging from heat sources in spacecraft to its use as a neutron source and in nuclear weapons. However, its most infamous use has been in cases of poisoning, most notably the murder of Alexander Litvinenko, a former officer of the Russian Federal Security Service and a critic of the Russian government, in 2006.

Properties

^210Po is a radioactive alpha-emitting isotope with a half-life of 138.376 days. It decays directly to its stable daughter nuclide, lead-206. Polonium-210 is one of the most toxic substances known to man if ingested or inhaled, due to its intense radioactivity.

Sources and Production

Polonium-210 occurs naturally in uranium ores at very low concentrations and is a product of the decay of uranium-238. It can also be produced artificially in nuclear reactors by bombarding bismuth-209 with neutrons. Despite its rarity and the difficulty in handling it due to its high radioactivity, ^210Po can be used for various purposes, including in devices that eliminate static charges. However, its use is strictly regulated due to its hazardous nature.

Applications

Heat Source

Due to its ability to generate considerable amounts of thermal energy, ^210Po has been used as a heat source to power thermoelectric generators in spacecraft, such as in the Soviet Lunokhod program.

Neutron Source

When mixed with beryllium, polonium-210 can be used as a neutron source. This combination is useful in initiating nuclear reactions and in scientific research.

Poison

The high toxicity and radioactivity of ^210Po have led to its use as a poison. The most notable case is the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, which brought international attention to the dangers of polonium-210.

Health Effects

Exposure to polonium-210 can cause severe health effects, including acute radiation sickness and death. The alpha particles emitted by ^210Po can cause significant damage if the isotope is ingested or inhaled, as they can ionize biological molecules and disrupt cellular function.

Safety and Regulation

Due to its extreme toxicity and radioactivity, the handling and transportation of polonium-210 are subject to stringent regulations. Safety measures include the use of containment systems that prevent the release of alpha particles and minimize the risk of contamination.