Uses of radioisotopes

USES OF RADIOISOTOPES

Radioactive isotopes have many applications both in medicine and industries. Some of the uses of these radioactive isotopes are given below.

• Carbon-14 is used to trace the path of carbon in photosynthesis.
• Iodine-123 is used to image the brain.
• Thallium-201 is used in nuclear medicine and also helps to detect tumors.
• Sodium-24 is used to detect possible obstruction and constriction in the circulatory system.
• Iodine-131 is used to diagnose thyroid disorders.
• Phosphorous-32 is used in genetic research.
  
• Calcium-47 is used to study bone formation in mammals and many cellular functions.
• Cesium-137 is used to treat cancerous tumors.
• Cobalt-60 is used to eradicate cancer cells in the hope of killing or shrinking cells.
• Na-24 is used to locate leakage in underground pipes.
• Radioactive isotopes are used to study the mechanism of chemical reactions. 
• Radioactive isotopes are used to date archeological objects such as mummies, rocks, and fossils.
• Radioactive isotopes are used to study the effectiveness of fertilizers.
• Radioactive isotopes help in carbon dating.
• Thorium-230 provides coloring and fluorescence in glassware.
• Xenon-133 is used in nuclear medicine for lung ventilation.
• Uranium-234 is used to provide natural brightness and color.