Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
09:23
A Protocol for Detecting and Scavenging Gas-phase Free Radicals in Mainstream Cigarette Smoke
Published on: January 2, 2012
POLONIUM-210: A VOLATILE RADIOELEMENT IN CIGARETTES.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 17, 1964
Summary
Polonium-210 (Po-210) in tobacco smoke delivers a significant radiation dose to the lungs of smokers. This internal radiation exposure may contribute to the development of bronchial cancer in individuals who smoke regularly.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Radiation Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Polonium-210 (Po-210) is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope found as a contaminant in tobacco plants.
- Alpha particle emission from Po-210 results in internal radiation exposure when inhaled.
- Tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for bronchial cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the radiation dose to the bronchial epithelium from inhaled Polonium-210 in cigarette smoke.
- To assess the potential contribution of Po-210 radiation to the development of bronchial cancer in smokers.
Main Methods:
- Calculation of radiation dose to bronchial epithelium based on Po-210 content in tobacco smoke.
- Comparison of Po-210 radiation dose with background radiation dose.
Main Results:
- Smokers inhaling two packs of cigarettes daily receive a radiation dose from Po-210 that is at least seven times higher than background sources.
- Localized areas of the bronchial epithelium may receive doses of 1000 rem or more over 25 years from Po-210.
- The radiation dose from inhaled Po-210 is significant.
Conclusions:
- Radiation from Polonium-210 in cigarette smoke is a significant factor in the genesis of bronchial cancer.
- Reducing Po-210 exposure from tobacco smoke could mitigate cancer risk for smokers.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
03:23Types of Radioactivity
The most common types of radioactivity are α decay, β decay, γ decay, neutron emission, and electron capture.
Alpha (α) decay is the emission of an α particle from the nucleus. For example, polonium-210 undergoes α decay:
Alpha (α) decay is the emission of an α particle from the nucleus. For example, polonium-210 undergoes α decay:
03:20Nuclear Transmutation
Nuclear transmutation is the conversion of one nuclide into another. It can occur by the radioactive decay of a nucleus, or the reaction of a nucleus with another particle. The first manmade nucleus was produced in Ernest Rutherford’s laboratory in 1919 by a transmutation reaction, the bombardment of one type of nuclei with other nuclei or with neutrons. Rutherford bombarded nitrogen-14 atoms with high-speed α particles from a natural radioactive isotope of radium and observed protons being...
01:25Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Atomization Methods
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) atomizes samples through flame atomization or electrothermal atomization. Flame atomization typically involves a nebulizer and spray chamber assembly to combine the sample with a fuel–oxidant mixture, creating a fine aerosol mist that enters a burner. Typically, the fuel and oxidant are combined in an approximately stoichiometric ratio. However, for atoms that are easily oxidized, a fuel-rich mixture may be more advantageous. Only about 5% of the aerosol...
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
01:30Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Interference
In atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), high-temperature atomizers excite a broad range of elements and molecules that generate complex emissions from sources such as oxides, hydroxides, and flame combustion products in the flame or plasma. Several strategies can be employed to minimize spectral interferences caused by overlapping emission lines or bands. These include increasing instrument resolution, choosing alternative emission lines, optimally placing the detector in low-background regions,...
01:29Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) is an analytical technique that involves the electronic transitions of atoms in a flame, furnace, or plasma being excited by electromagnetic (EM) radiation. When these atoms absorb energy, they become excited and subsequently release energy as they return to their original state. This emitted light, or "fluorescence," is observed at a right angle to the incident beam. Both absorption and emission processes transpire at distinct wavelengths, which are...