by Alpha Emitter Market decay occurs when the nucleus of an unstable atom spontaneously ejects an alpha particle. This changes the original atom into an atom with a mass number that is four units lower and an atomic number that is two units lower. For example, uranium-238 decays into thorium-234 by emitting an alpha particle during the process. The emission of an alpha particle decreases the isotope’s mass by four atomic mass units and decreases its atomic number by two protons.
Characteristics of Alpha Particles
Alpha particles have the following key properties:
– Positively charged: Since they are composed of two protons, alpha particles have a +2 charge.
– High energy: The average alpha particle emitted from radioactive decay has an energy of around 4 to 5 MeV (megaelectronvolts).
– Low penetrating ability: Despite their high energy, alpha particles cannot penetrate more than a few centimeters in air or a sheet of paper due to their size and charge. Their range in living tissue is typically only a few centimeters.
– Ionizing ability: While alpha particles cannot penetrate deeply, they are highly ionizing due to their mass and electric charge. Collisions with electrons in atoms can displace them, creating ions along their track.
Health Effects of Alpha Radiation
The strong ionizing ability of alpha particles makes them potentially dangerous if internally absorbed into living tissue. However, their inability to penetrate very far means alpha emitters are generally only hazardous if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through open wounds. Some key points about the health effects include:
– Cancer risk: Exposure to alpha radiation is linked to an increase in cancer rates, particularly lung cancer if inhaled. Damage occurs through ionization of DNA molecules.
– Low dose risk: There is evidence even low doses of it like radon can cause cancer with no safe lower limit identified. Radon gas is a common indoor alpha emitter inhaled in small amounts over long periods.
– Radiation sickness: External exposure is unlikely to cause acute radiation sickness unless very large intakes occur. The primary concern is long-term cancer development.
Natural Sources
Naturally occurring alpha emitters are common throughout the environment due to the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium isotopes found in rocks and soil. Major natural sources include:
– Radon gas: A radioactive noble gas produced from the decay of uranium-238. It seeps up from the ground into homes and accumulates in poorly ventilated areas.
– Uranium minerals: Uranium-238 is one of the most common radioactive elements and is ubiquitous through natural deposits. Its alpha-emitting daughters are found in trace amounts everywhere.
– Radium substitutes: Minute traces of radium and its daughters end up replacing calcium in bones due to their similar chemical properties, emitting alpha radiation internally.
Uses and Risks
Some industrial and medical uses include:
– Smoke detectors: Many older smoke alarms contained the alpha emitter americium-241, detecting smoke particles through ionization.
– Medical therapies: Radioisotopes like radium-223 have uses in cancer treatment by delivering radiation doses to tumors from within.
– Industrial gauges: Devices like thickness gauges use it as detectors by sensing absorption of their radiation.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
