Biology Forums - Study Force

Can someone please tell me at least 5-6 advantages and disadvantages of radioactive isotopes? Thank you, help is really appreciated.

Radioactive isotopes are used in smoke detectors. Some would consider that an advantage.

Isotopes allow for the selective irradiation of body tissues, such as radioactive iodine for the thyroid, or other isotopes used in heart imaging during stress tests.

And the uses show how radiation is used where other methods don't work or are impractical.

Disadvantages?  Well, some of the isotopes are very short lived, so use has to be close to the source of production.  Others, such as radioactive cobalt, used in industrial operations, are extremely dangerous if improperly handled.  There is always the potential for misuse, or improper use.  For instance, radioactive needles used in prostate cancer treatments can cause massive injury if not used properly.

And the production of radioactive isotopes is not without the waste disposal issue.  And even in a medical setting, there is the potential for contamination.  For instance, if a person is treated with radioactive iodine for thyroid issues, too often they are sent home while they still pose a risk to others since they still are radioactive.