Strontium, an alkaline earth metal and number 38 on the periodic table, is a highly reactive element with many medical and manufacturing applications. It can be found in several countries around the world.
History
Strontium was discovered in a Scottish lead mine near the town of Strontian, from which it takes its name. The element was known as early as 1790, but it wasn't isolated until 1808, when the famous scientist Sir Humphrey Davy announced the achievement at the Royal Society in London.
Geography
According to the United States Geological Survey, China has produced most of the world's strontium in recent years, while Turkey, Mexico and Spain also produced substantial amounts (around 100,000 tons annually). Morocco, Argentina and Iran produced smaller amounts.
Types
Commonly used types (isotopes) of strontium include strontium-90, strontium-89 and strontium-86/-87 (a mixture often found together). Each of these has the chemical characteristics of strontium but behaves differently in terms of radioactive decay.
Uses
Strontium-89 is used in medicine to reduce bone pain in patients suffering from certain cancers. Because it is very similar to calcium, strontium-89 is easily absorbed by bones and can deliver radiation directly to the target area. Strontium-90, also used in medicine, is found in nuclear waste. It has been used to power nuclear batteries on board spacecraft and in isolated areas where solar panels were impractical. Nonradioactive strontium is used in some types of television screens and is particularly valued for pyrotechnics, such as fireworks and flares.
Famous Ties
When the nuclear plant at Chernobyl, Ukraine, exploded in 1986, one of the main radioactive substances released was strontium-90. Because of its 29-year half-life, strontium-90 is still present in the areas it contaminated. (see References 3)
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