Polonium-210 - radiation intoxication and treatment

Polonium-210 - radiation intoxication and treatment

Poster

Dariya Nikolova
Faculty of chemistry and pharmacy, Sofia University "Saint Kliment Ohridski"

Ionizing radiation is a type of radiation which is based on particles or rays with the ability to break chemical bonds and create ions, which upon exposure would inevitably damage vital molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. With the progress of mankind, it has found an application in various spheres but due to lack of knowledge оf its nature, there are many deaths known in history as a result of acute or chronic intoxication. Sources of ionizing radiation can vary, an example being some types of metals. One such metal is polonium, or more specifically its isotopes, one of which is polonium-210 (Po-210). When it decays, it emits alpha particles, which when swallowed and/or inhaled lead to radioactive intoxication, the treatment of which is still a challenge for the medicine. The present poster will review the main treatment methods for Po-210 exposure.
Keywords: polonium, radiation, radiation intoxication