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Chapter 20: Problem 81

Which do you think would be the greater health hazard, the release of a radioactive nuclide of Sr or a radioactive nuclide of Xe into the environment? Assume the amount of radioactivity is the same in each case. Explain your answer on the basis of the chemical properties of Sr and Xe. Why are the chemical properties of a radioactive substance important in assessing its potential health hazards?

Short Answer

Expert verified
A radioactive nuclide of Sr is the greater health hazard compared to Xe since Sr is chemically reactive, readily forming compounds that can be absorbed by living organisms, potentially causing bone-related disorders and cancers. In contrast, Xe is chemically inert and less likely to accumulate in living organisms. Chemical properties of radioactive substances are essential in assessing health hazards because they determine how the substance interacts with the environment and living organisms, allowing for better risk assessment and safety measures.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Chemical Properties of Sr and Xe

Strontium (Sr) is an alkaline earth metal, which is chemically reactive and tends to form ionic compounds, like salts. Due to its reactivity, Sr can easily combine with other elements in the environment. On the other hand, Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas, which is chemically inert and very stable. It does not easily react or combine with other elements.
02

Compare the Health Hazards of Radioactive Sr and Xe

Since Strontium is chemically reactive, when it enters the environment as a radioactive nuclide, it can readily interact with other elements and form compounds. These compounds can then get absorbed into living organisms, such as plants, animals, and humans. In humans, strontium can replace calcium in bones, which can lead to health issues such as bone cancer, leukemia, and other bone-related disorders. In contrast, Xenon is chemically inert and does not easily form compounds. It is much less likely to accumulate in living organisms and cause health hazards. Hence, the release of a radioactive nuclide of Sr would impose a higher risk and greater health hazard compared to that of Xe.
03

Explain the Importance of Chemical Properties in Assessing Health Hazards

The chemical properties of a radioactive substance are crucial in assessing its potential health hazards because these properties determine how the substance interacts with the environment and living organisms. If a radioactive substance is reactive and forms compounds, it may pose a higher risk to the environment and living organisms as it can accumulate within them. On the other hand, a radioactive substance that is inert and does not easily combine with other elements will pose a lesser risk. Understanding the chemical properties of radioactive substances allows for better risk assessment and implementation of safety measures in case of an accidental release into the environment.

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