Applications of Radioactive Isotopes

Abstract

The discovery of radioactivity, a fundamental property of certain atoms, is credited to several scientists, including Henri Becquerel and Marie and Pierre Curie, who together made ground-breaking discoveries that paved the way for the use of radioactive isotopes in various applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, industry, or archaeology. In medicine especially, radioactivity plays a crucial role, with application in both diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. However, radioisotopes also pose potential risks to human health and the environment if not handled properly, causing damage to cells and increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Nevertheless, their uses are regulated and monitored to ensure safety and, therefore, their utilization has firmly increased in the last decades. Overall, radioactive isotopes are a valuable tool in a wide range of fields and their continued development and application will remain important for years to come.