Radionuclides
Radioactive forms of elements are called radionuclide
radionuclideRadioactive forms of elements are called radionuclides. Radium-226, Cesium-137, and Strontium-90 are examples of radionuclides.s. Some occur naturally in the environment, while others are man-made, either deliberately or as byproducts of nuclear reactions. Learn the Radiation Basics.
Every radionuclide emits radiation at its own specific rate, which is measured in terms of “half-lifehalf-lifeThe time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay or transform. Some radionuclides have half-lives of mere seconds, but others have half-lives of hundreds or millions of years..” Radioactive half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms present to decay. Some radionuclides have half-lives of mere seconds, but others have half-lives of hundreds or millions of years. Learn more about radioactive decay.
Below you will find links to basic information about 12 radionuclides encountered in medical, commercial, or military activities. Each page contains information about the radionuclide, how it moves through the environment, where you will find it (the radiation source) and potential health effects.