Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media video claims that radium exposure is not toxic to humans. We fact-checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
An Instagram video claims that radium exposure is not toxic to humans. A screenshot of the post is attached below:
In another fact check, we debunked bananas are radioactive. We also refuted that irradiated food causes cancer. We further invalidated that 5G towers emit radiation harmful to humans.
Fact Check
What is radium?
Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. It is a highly radioactive, silvery-white, alkaline earth metal. It was discovered by Marie and Pierre Curie, in 1898 and she named it after the Latin word radius, meaning ray, due to its intense radioactivity.
Is radium exposure not toxic to humans?
No. Radium exposure is indeed toxic to humans. There is no evidence that confirms the intentional cessation of radium use after its health benefits were observed.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA website) and the National Academies of Sciences Committee on Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation (website) inform that radium is a known human carcinogen.
Dr Moujhuri Nandi, Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, informs, “Radium is undoubtedly toxic, but its usage has been discontinued.” Radium is highly radioactive, emitting alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. When radium decays, it produces radon gas and radioactive decay products, such as radon daughters (such as polonium), which are also radioactive and can be inhaled or ingested. These radioactive isotopes can cause damage to cells and tissues in the body, leading to various health effects, including an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, as well as other diseases such as leukemia.
Besides this, exposure to higher levels of radium may result in anemia, cataracts, fractured teeth, and even death. Radium primarily enters the body through inhalation or ingestion, with uncertain penetration through the skin. Upon inhalation, it can persist in the lungs or enter the bloodstream, disseminating throughout the body. Radium poses internal hazards as the radiation remains unshielded within the body. Once internalized, radium behaves similarly to calcium, accumulating in the bones.
While natural radium exposure occurs through air, water, and food at low levels, significant exposure, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR website), can adversely affect the eyes and impact the hematological and musculoskeletal systems. The ATSDR further warns that heightened exposure heightens the risk of bone, liver, and breast cancer.
What is the current scenario of radium exposure?
Historically, radium exposure was a significant concern, especially for workers in industries where radium was used, such as watch dial painting. Many workers, known as radium girls, suffered severe health effects, including bone deterioration and cancer, due to radium exposure.
Due to its health risks, regulations are in place to limit exposure to radium. Its use is heavily controlled, and safety measures are implemented to protect workers and the general public from its harmful effects.
Radium was once used in self-luminous paints for watches, clocks, and aircraft instruments. However, due to its highly radioactive nature and the associated health risks, its use in consumer products has significantly declined. Radium decay products were found to be a significant health hazard, leading to regulations on their use and handling. Today, its main applications are in medicine, which is used in cancer treatment and diagnostic imaging.
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