Radioactive materials

Overview of radioactive materials in medical applications

Classification
External resources

Radioactive materials are substances that emit radiation as they decay. These materials are used in various medical applications, including diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy.

Types of Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials can be classified into several types based on their decay properties and uses:

• Radionuclides: These are atoms with an unstable nucleus that release energy in the form of radiation. Common radionuclides used in medicine include Technetium-99m, Iodine-131, and Fluorine-18.

• Radioisotopes: These are isotopes of elements that are radioactive. They are used in nuclear medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Medical Applications

Radioactive materials have several applications in the medical field:

Diagnostic Imaging

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials to diagnose and monitor various conditions. Techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) rely on the detection of radiation emitted by radionuclides introduced into the body.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Radioactive materials such as Cobalt-60 and Iridium-192 are used in brachytherapy, where they are placed close to or inside the tumor.

Safety and Regulations

The use of radioactive materials in medicine is strictly regulated to ensure patient safety and minimize exposure to ionizing radiation. Organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) provide guidelines and standards for the safe handling and disposal of these materials.

See Also

• Radiation protection
• Medical physics
• Radiopharmaceuticals

External Links

• IAEA Radiation Medicine
• NRC Radiation Protection