What is polonium-210?

Polonium-210 is a radioactive material that emits highly hazardous alpha particles. First discovered by Marie Curie in 1898, it occurs naturally in the environment but an amount large enough to kill would have to be produced in a reactor

POLONIUM-210: Created by neutron bombardment of bismuth atoms in reactor

Metalloid crystal structure

Single atom

Nucleus: 84 protons 125 neutrons
Low neutron to proton ratio

Electrons

Radiation
Proton 
Neutron

RADIOACTIVITY
Unstable isotope ejects high-energy subatomic particles – 5,000 times more than radium. All elements with over 82 protons are radioactive

Polonium-210 emits only alpha particles. These are unable to pass through paper or skin but, if ingested, can penetrate several layers of cells of soft internal tissues, causing
massive cell damage

Beta particles Will pass through 1-2cm of human tissue

LETHAL DOSE: Weight-for-weight toxicity 

Hydrogen cyanide (fatal at 300 parts/million) 

Polonium-210    250 billion times more toxic


Half-life:Time taken to halve radioactive decay

138.4 days

Paper

Gamma rays Only stopped by thick lead or concrete

Biological half-life: Time  for half amount to be cleared
from human body

30-50 days

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Sources: LANL, EPA
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