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The Regulation and Use of Radioisotopes in Today's World (NUREG/BR-0217, Rev. 1)

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Publication Information

Date Published: April 2000

Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

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Introduction

More than 100 years ago, scientists discovered that many elements commonly found on Earth occur in different atomic configurations. These varying configurations, called isotopes, were found to have identical electronically charged particles and identical chemical properties but different atomic weights and physical properties.

It was soon discovered that some isotopes of elements were radioactive. The dense central portion (called the nucleus) of an atom of the element emits energy in several different forms. Radioisotopes are simply atoms with nuclei that are seeking a more stable nuclear configuration by emitting radiation. Scientists have learned that more radioisotopes could be created by subjecting certain elements to radiation inside a nuclear reactor or bombarding them using a particle accelerator.

Gradually we have learned to harness these radioisotopes for use in our modern, high-tech world. In this brochure are described some of the most common uses for radioisotopes, as well as the relative benefits and hazards involved in their applications. The appendix at the end of this brochure describes various uses of radioisotopes in this country.



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