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The deadly secret of 210Po: Why is it 250,000 times more toxic than hydrogen cyanide?
Among the many toxic substances, 210Po ranks among the best for its extreme toxicity. This isotope, called plutonium and uranium, is horrifyingly radioactive, making it approximately 250,000 times more toxic than hydrogen cyanide. The key lies in its radioactive decay and its impact on the human body.
The origin and history of 210Po
210Po was first discovered in 1898 by Marie and Pierre Curie, who were studying radioactive material from lead mines. This isotope is one of the products of the 238U and 226Ra decay chain and exists in trace amounts in nature. It usually interacts with organic matter such as seafood and tobacco, polluting the environment.
210Po is a radioactive element that mainly releases alpha particles through alpha decay. Its half-life is 138.376 days. This means that the radioactive decay of 210Po is extremely rapid, further deriving stable 206Pb.
Scientific basis for toxicity
As for toxicity, the power of 210Po comes from the alpha particles it releases, which can cause severe radioactive damage to organs and tissues in the body. According to research, once the human body ingests one microgram of 210Po, it may cause fatal consequences, and this trace amount is enough to break through the human body's defense line.
The specific activity of 210Po is 166 TBq/g, which is equivalent to producing 1.66×1014 Bq of radioactivity per gram, which means that it releases an astonishing number of alpha particles per second.
Environmental and health impacts of 210Po
210Po is usually spread through contaminated air, water or food, and once it enters the human body, it is concentrated in soft tissues, especially the lymphatic system and blood. The biological half-life is approximately 50 days, making its effects in the body difficult to eradicate. Especially in certain sea areas, 210Po can accumulate in seafood, thereby poisoning the food chain.
Industrial and military applications
Although it is very difficult to mine 210Po industrially, its main source is generated by nuclear reactions using bismuth targets. Every month, Russia produces about 8 grams of 210Po and ships it to the United States for commercial use. For example, in space missions, 210Po's heat source can be used to drive thermoelectric generators.
210Po is widely used in thermoelectric generators and China's lunar exploration missions. The heat it emits can keep the equipment running normally.
Historical events
The popularity of this isotope reached its peak in 2006, when Russian opposition figure Alexander Litvinenko was confirmed to have died of 210Po poisoning. This incident revealed that 210Po was used as an extremely lethal assassination weapon and attracted international attention. Since then, there have been suspicions that 210Po may be related to Arafat's death, all of which emphasize the horror of 210Po.
Conclusion
210Po, this trace but highly destructive radioactive element, is a chilling potential threat to health. Given their presence in the environment and their possible uses, should we re-evaluate our strategies for exposure to and use of radioactive materials?
