Uses of Isotopes

Isotopes are used in medical, agricultural, and chemical research for diagnosing and treating diseases. Some important uses are:

Iodine-131:
Concentrates in the thyroid gland and is used to treat goiter.

Iodine-123:
Used for brain imaging.

Deuterium (D), Carbon-13, Nitrogen-15, Oxygen-18, Iodine-131:
Used as tracer elements in biochemical and physio-chemical research to trace defective or obstructed parts of the body.

Cobalt-60 and Radium:
Used in cancer treatment and for diagnosis of tumors.

Sodium-24:
Used to identify blood circulation problems in patients.

Carbon-14:
Used in carbon dating (to find the age of old fossils, plants, and animals) and to trace the path of carbon in photosynthesis.

Americium-241:
Used in smoke detectors and to determine where oil wells should be drilled.

Californium-252:
Used to measure the moisture content of soil in road and building construction. Also used to inspect airplane luggage for hidden explosives.

Krypton-85:
Used in electrical cloth washers to measure the level of dust and pollutants.