Polonium-210 (210Po)

Polonium-210 is a highly radioactive isotope of the element polonium and a potent alpha-particle emitter (EPA, 2023). It is not a therapeutic target but is recognized as a severe radiological toxin and a known human carcinogen, notably found in trace amounts in tobacco smoke and certain environmental sources (NRC, 2020). Once inhaled or ingested, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed to soft tissues, particularly the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow (CDC, 2006). The biological damage is primarily driven by the emission of high-energy alpha particles, which cause significant ionization and irreparable double-strand DNA breaks within cells (PubChem, CID 5460655). There are no therapeutic drugs designed to target Polonium-210 for beneficial physiological modulation; instead, medical management involves the use of chelating agents such as dimercaprol to enhance its excretion from the body (Jefferson et al., 2009). Due to its high specific activity, Polonium-210 is one of the most toxic substances known, posing a critical risk for acute radiation syndrome and long-term health complications like lung cancer.

Other names

Po-210Radium FPolonium, isotope of mass 210

Polonium-210 acts as a source of high-energy alpha radiation. Upon internalization, it emits alpha particles with high linear energy transfer (LET) that cause dense ionization along their tracks, leading to complex DNA double-strand breaks and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which result in cellular necrosis or apoptosis (Harrison et al., 2007, The Lancet). Chelating agents like dimercaprol interact with the polonium ions to form stable, excretable complexes, thereby reducing the body burden (CDC, 2006).