Radium

Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal that can exist in several forms, called isotopes. The four naturally occurring isotopes include radium-228, radium-226, radium-224, and radium-223. Radium is formed as a result of decay (breakdown) of uranium and thorium, which are two other natural radioactive substances. When radium decays it divides into two parts, one is called radiation, and the other is called a daughter. The daughters formed from radium decay are radon isotopes, which as seen with radium, are not stable, and also divide into radiation and another daughter. This process continues until a stable, nonradioactive daughter is formed. During the decay process, alpha, beta, and gamma radiation are released, which are capable of traveling different distances. Alpha particles can travel only a short distance and cannot travel through the skin; beta particles can penetrate the skin, but can not pass through the entire body; and gamma particles can go all the way through the body. Radium has been used as a radiation source for treating neoplastic diseases; as a radon source, as a neutron source for research, and prior to the 1960’s as a component of luminous paints used for watch dials, compasses, and instrument panels. A recent study suggests that radon daughters may concentrate in the vicinity of electromagnetic fields, such as power lines. ¹⁷