Radium 226

Radium-226 (^226Ra) is a radioactive isotope of radium, a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is one of the more common isotopes of radium, with a half-life of approximately 1,600 years. Radium-226 is a decay product of uranium-238 and is a significant component of the uranium decay series. It undergoes alpha decay to form radon-222, a radioactive gas that is a health hazard when inhaled.

Properties and Production

Radium-226 has a mass number of 226 and an atomic number of 88, placing it in the alkaline earth metals group of the periodic table. It emits alpha particles during its decay to radon-222, and this emission is accompanied by gamma radiation, making it a source of concern for radiation protection.

The production of radium-226 historically involved the processing of uranium ore, where it is found in small quantities. The extraction process was labor-intensive and hazardous, leading to the illness and death of many workers, famously the Radium Girls who painted watch dials with radium-based paint.

Uses

Historically, radium-226 had various applications due to its radioactive properties and the luminescence caused by its decay products. It was used in self-luminous paints for watches, aircraft switches, and clocks. In medicine, radium-226 was utilized in radiation therapy for cancer and other conditions, although its use has declined with the advent of more effective and safer treatments.

Health and Environmental Concerns

The primary health risk associated with radium-226 is its decay product, radon-222 gas, which can accumulate in buildings and increase the risk of lung cancer when inhaled over long periods. Radium-226 itself, if ingested or inhaled, can deposit in bones and cause bone cancer and other disorders due to its radiation.

Environmental concerns with radium-226 revolve around its long half-life and mobility in the environment, potentially contaminating water supplies and ecosystems. Cleanup and remediation of radium-contaminated sites are challenging and costly.

Regulation and Safety

Due to its health risks, the handling and disposal of radium-226 are strictly regulated by various international and national agencies. Safety protocols include shielding to protect from gamma radiation, ventilation to prevent radon accumulation, and secure storage to prevent environmental contamination.

See Also

• Radioactivity
• Uranium decay series
• Alpha decay
• Gamma radiation
• Radiation therapy