strontium 90

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a harmful radioactive isotope of strontium, produced in certain nuclear reactions and present in their fallout.

strontium 90

1. A radioactive isotope of strontium having a mass number of 90 and a half-life of 28 years. Strontium 90 is the most dangerous component of the fallout from nuclear explosions because it is easily absorbed by the body. It is also used in medicine to treat cancer.

Word History and Origins

Origin of strontium 90¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Even Ben has a crisis, ranting about strontium 90 in the rain and Caryl Chessman in the gas chamber.

From New York Times

The groundwater contains radioactive strontium 90, which can cause bone cancer and leukemia.

From Washington Times

Critics say the desalinated water will contain trace amounts of radioactive particles like strontium 90 that they and their children will consume for their lifetimes.

From New York Times

The legal limit for releasing strontium 90 into the ocean is 30 becquerels per liter.

From Scientific American

The legal limit for releasing strontium 90, which has a half life of around 29 years, into the sea is 30 becquerels per liter.

From Scientific American