Thorium-229 Poisoning

Throrium (Th) is a naturally-occurring metal with low radiation emissions. Thorium-229 is one of the most stable radioactive isotopes of thorium. It is currently used in cancer research.

Chemical Properties

Thorium-229 is a very insoluble metal that emits radioactive alpha particles. It is generated by the decay of uranium-233 and has a half-life of 7.340 years.

Uses

Medical

  • Cancer research
  • Cancer treatment
  • Medical applications

Industrial

  • Nuclear fuel
  • Chemical Industry

Toxicity

Increased levels of alpha radiation emitted by thorium-229 may cause cancers in humans and animals alike. Alpha particles from the nucleotides can also cause chromosomal aberrations in the blood and gene mutations producing non-neoplastic effects.