107 Radium-228 Radium is a radioactive chemical element which has the symbol Ra and atomic number 88. Its appearance is almost pure white, but it readily oxidizes on exposure to air, turning black. Radium is an alkaline earth metal that is formed when uranium and thorium break down in the environment. It is extremely radioactive. Radium has been used as a radiation source for treating cancer, in radiography of metals, and combined with other metals as a neutron source for research and radiation instrument calibration. Until the 1960s, radium was a component of the luminous paints used for watch and clock dials, instrument panels in airplanes, military instruments, and compasses. (L991, L1835) 15262-20-1 6328553 Ra 0.000000 Oral (L991) ; Inhalation (L991) ; Dermal (L991) Ionizing radiation produced by radium damages the DNA, resulting in gene mutations and chromosomal aberrations. This can both initiate and promote carcinogenesis, and interfere with reproduction and development. Since radium`s similarity to calcium allows it to deposit in the bones, bone cancer is of particular risk. (L1835) Due to its radioactivity, radium can affect the body following ingestion, inhalation, or dermal exposure. If inhalated, it may accumulate in the lungs. Once in the body radium may deposit in the bones, mainly on the surface and areas where new bone is being formed. Radium is not metabolized and is excreted primarily in the faeces. (L1835) 1, carcinogenic to humans. (L135) Radium has been used as a radiation source for treating cancer, in radiography of metals, and combined with other metals as a neutron source for research and radiation instrument calibration. Until the 1960s, radium was a component of the luminous paints used for watch and clock dials, instrument panels in airplanes, military instruments, and compasses. (L1835) Radium is highly radioactive and its decay product, radon gas, is also radioactive. It has been shown to cause effects on the blood (anemia) and eyes (cataracts). Inhalation, injection, ingestion or body exposure to radium can cause cancer and other disorders, due to its radioactivity. Since radium is chemically similar to calcium, it has the potential to cause great harm by replacing it in bones, and bone cancer is of particular risk. (L991, L1835) Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation results in acute radiation syndrome, which can cause skin burns, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, disorientation, low blood pressure, headache, fatigue, weakness, fever, birth defects, illness, infection, and death. (L1837, L1852) Treatment reversing the effects of irradiation is currently not possible. Anaesthetics and antiemetics are administered to counter the symptoms of exposure, as well as antibiotics for countering secondary infections due to the resulting immune system deficiency. (L1852) 2009-03-06T18:58:05Z 2014-12-24T20:21:07Z C16457 Radium-228 true [228Ra] Ra InChI=1S/Ra/i1+2 InChIKey=HCWPIIXVSYCSAN-NJFSPNSNSA-N 228.0311 228.031064101 Exogenous 4886617