| Agent Name |
Strontium |
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| CAS Number |
7440-24-6 |
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| Formula |
Sr |
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| Major Category |
Metals |
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| Category |
Elements, Metallic |
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| Description |
Silvery-white metal that becomes yellow on contact with air; [Merck Index] |
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| Sources/Uses |
Used in fireworks, signal flares, and tracer bullets (red); [Merck Index] Used as an alloy and in electron tubes; [Hawley] "Strontium compounds, such as strontium carbonate, are used in making ceramics and glass products, pyrotechnics, paint pigments, fluorescent lights, medicines, and other products." [ATSDR PHS] |
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| Comments |
Natural strontium is not radioactive and not harmful by skin contact or inhalation. Animal studies show that high oral doses of strontium can weaken bones, especially in growing animals with diets deficient in calcium. Strontium-90 is formed in nuclear reactors and in explosions of nuclear bombs. Strontium-90 gives off beta particles with a half-life of 29 years. It has some medical applications, but is mainly considered a waste product. Strontium-90 is taken up by the bone where it emits beta radiation. It can cause bone marrow suppression and cancer. [ATSDR PHS] See "Strontium-90." |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - Public Health Statement: Strontium |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
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| Vapor Pressure |
4.24 x 10 -09 mm Hg |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: Strontium, Elemental Strontium Compounds
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