Poloniumhas no stable isotopes, but210Po is one of the products in the decay series of the naturally occurringradioactive isotope238U.210Po has a half-life of 138.4 days, and it is an α-emitter. In the marine environment, some organisms are naturally exposed to very high doses of radiati...
In sediments, 210Pb and 210Po are often found in equilibrium and the activity of 210Pb can be estimated from that of the 210Po. The 210Po is typically analyzed by alpha spectrometry following preconcentration and spontaneous deposition onto silver foils. However, in the upper water column, equi...
In addition, 210Po, being an almost pure alpha emitter, cannot be detected by common screening devices used to prevent trafficking of radioactive substances. In a sealed small vessel, it can be easily transported and will not be detected by border crossing gates. Polonium enters the human body...