Strontium-90- what laws is there about its use?

Answer 1

Depending on nation or region, there can be multiple laws applicable to radioactive matter and control of radiation emissions. Strontium-90 (a radioactive isotope of strontium with half-lives ranging* from 28.78 to 29.1 years) --- along with many other radioactive elements --- is subject to statutory laws which regulate, for example, radionic (radiologic) devices such as those used by the medical industry; and regulate sale, use, licensing, storage, access to, transportation and disposal of radioactive matter and other hazardous waste. Regulations also apply to construction and operation of nuclear and atomic plants.

Within the U.S., the laws of each state determine which department(s) or agencies are to regulate radiation, radioactive material, and hazardous waste. Those entities serve to enforce laws related to Health and Safety (H&S). Laws differ for each jurisdiction. Same or similar subject matters --- including laws related to weapons, biological and chemical weapons, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, disarmament; and to interstate, waterways, and transnational sale, access, storage, packaging, transportation and disposal of radioactive matter and hazardous waste --- are found within federal and international codes, conventions, treaties, or agreements.

Strontium-90 (Sr-90) has been found in nuclear fallout as a by-product of nuclear fission (also of nuclear bomb testing and radioactive leaks), and is known as a high-energy beta transmitter. Beta radiation is ionizing radiation subject to statutory law. Strontium (atomic number 38), an alkaline, chemically reactive, metallic element, has a total of 20 known isotopes, 16 of which are unstable. The remaining four isotopes (Sr-84, Sr-86, Sr-87, and Sr-88) are stable, and tend to be found in varying mixtures which comprise most of the naturally-occurring strontium. Sr-86 is used for production of an isotope of Ytrrium (chemical symbol Y) used in dosimetry for some medical procedures. Sr-89, one of the unstable isotopes, is used in specific bone cancer treatments. It is commercially derived from Sr-88.

Exposures to high levels of Sr-90 have been associated with anaemia, oxygen shortage, lung cancer, damage to chromosomes (genetic material) in cells, and effect on bone tissue (such as bone growth problems in young children with exposures exceeding certain limits); while small quantities of strontium chromate --- a compound of Sr --- are known to cause lung cancer. Water-soluble isotopes of Sr are known to be more threatful to health than Sr isotopes which are not water-soluble.

*Half-lives for a single isotope may differ due to differences in regional source (thus purity) of the sample(s) used, differences in accuracy and calibration of the equipment used, age or publication date of the referenced text(s), and for various other reasons.