Some of the major uses of radioisotopes in the United States:
Americum-241Used in many smoke detectors for homes and businesses to measure levels of toxic lead in dried paint samples, to ensure uniform thickness in rolling processes like steel and paper production, and to help determine where oil wells should be drilled.
Cadmium-109Used to analyze metal alloys for checking stock and scrap sorting.
Calcium-47Important aid to biomedical researchers studying the cellular functions of bone formation in mammals.
Californium-252Used to inspect airline luggage for hidden explosives, to gauge moisture content of soil in the road construction and building industries, and to measure the moisture of materials stored in soils.
Carbon-14Major research tool. Helps in research to ensure that potential drugs are metabolized without forming harmful by-products. Used in biological research, agriculture, pollution control, and archeology.
Cesium-137Used to treat cancerous tumors, to measure correct patient dosages of radioactive pharmaceuticals, to measure and control the liquid flow in oil pipelines, to tell researchers whether oil wells are plugged by sand, and to ensure the right fill level for packages of food, drugs, and other products. (The products in these packages do not become radioactive)
Chromium-51Used in research in red blood cell survival studies.
Cobalt-57Used as a tracer to diagnose pernicious anemia.
Cobalt-60Used to sterilize surgical instruments, and to improve the safety and reliability of industrial fuel oil burners. Used in cancer treatment, food irradiation, gauges, and radiography.
Copper-67When injected with monoclonal antibodies into a cancer patient, helps the antibodies bind to and destroy the tumor.
Curium-244Used in mining to analyze material excavated from pits and slurries from drilling operations.
Gallium-67Used in medical diagnosis.
Iodine-123Widely used to diagnose thyroid disorders and other metabolic disorders including brain function.
Iodine-125Major diagnostic tool used in clinical tests and to diagnose thyroid disorders. Also used in biomedical research.
Iodine-129Used to check some radioactivity counters in in-vitro diagnostic testing laboratories.
Iodine-131Used to treat thyroid disorders. (Former President George Bush and Mrs. Bush were both successfully treated for Graves’ disease, a thyroid disease, with iodine-131).
Iridium-192Used to test the integrity of pipeline welds, boilers and aircraft parts and in brachytherapy/tumor irradiation.
Iron-55Used to analyze electroplating solutions and to detect the presence of sulphur in the air. Used in metabolism research.
Krypton-85Used in indicator lights in appliances such as clothes washers and dryers, stereos, and coffee makers; used to gauge the thickness of thin plastics and sheet metal, rubber, textiles and paper, and to measure dust and pollutant levels.
Nickel-63Used to detect explosives, and in voltage regulators and current surge protectors in electronic devices, and in electron capture detectors for gas chromatographs.
Phosphorus-32Used in molecular biology and genetics research.
Phosphorus-33Used in molecular biology and genetics research.
Plutonium-238Has powered more than 20 NASA spacecraft since 1972.
Polonium-210Reduces the static charge in production of photographic film and other matierals.
Promethium-147Used in electric blanket thermostats, and to gauge thickness of thin plastics, thin sheet metal, rubber, textile and paper.
Radium-226Makes lighting rods more effective.
Selenium-75Used in protein studies in life science research.
Sodium-24Used to locate leaks in industrial pipelines, and in oil well studies.
Strontium-85Used to study bone formation and metabolism.
Sulphur-35Used in survey meters by schools, the military and emergency management authorities. Also used in cigarette manufacturing sensors and medical treatment.
Technetium-99mUsed in genetics and molecular biology research. The most widely used radioactive pharmaceutical for diagnostic studies in nuclear medicine. Different chemical forms are used for brain, bone, liver, spleen, and kidney imaging and also for blood flow studies.
Thallium-201Used in nuclear medicine from nuclear cardiology and tumor detection.
Thallium-204Measures the dust and pollutant levels on filter paper, and gauges the thickness of plastics, sheet metal, rubber, textiles, and paper.
Thoriated TungstenUsed in electric arc welding rods in construction, aircraft, petrochemical and food processing equipment industries. They produce easier starting, greater arc stability and less metal contamination.
Thorium-229Helps fluorescent lights last longer.
Throium-230Provides coloring and fluorescence in colored glazes and glassware.
TritiumMajor tool for biomedical research. Used in life science and drug metabolism studies to ensure the safety of potential new drugs, for self-luminous aircraft and commercial exit signs, for luminous dials, gauges and wrist watches, to produce luminous paint, and for geological prospecting and hydrology.
Uranium-234Used in dental fixtures like crowns and dentures to provide a natural color and brightness.
Uranium-235Fuel for nuclear power plants and naval nuclear propulsion systems, and used to produce fluorescent glassware, a variety of colored glazes, and wall tiles.
Xenon-133Used in nuclear medicine for lung ventilation and blood flow studies.