Iodine 131 Research Paper

Iodine-131 is an artificial radioisotope used in the medical industry and also is a product of nuclear fallout. In 1938 at the University of California, research scientists Glenn T. Seaborg and John Livingood discovered a life changing radioisotope which saves the lives of many hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer patients. After discovering and researching Iodine-131, Seaborg tested the radioisotope on his ill mother who had a thyroid condition. When seeing that the treatment had fixed his mother’s thyroid condition, more medical research was conducted into the uses of Iodine-131 and was then eventually first used to treat thyroid cancer in 1946. In modern day medicine, radioactive iodine treatment using Iodine-131 is delivered in either a liquid or capsule and is absorbed by the thyroid without causing harm to the rest of the patient’s body. Although mainly used to treat thyroid conditions, Iodine-131 is also used by medical professionals to discover abnormalities of the thyroid. …show more content…
As it is a radioisotope, Iodine-131 is an unstable element. As with every element, an unstable element has a certain number of protons and neutrons that make up the nucleus. If an element is stable, there will be a proportionate amount of neutrons to protons, however, when it comes to unstable elements there is a disproportionate amount of neutrons to protons. As Iodine-131 is radioactive, when it breaks down a new element is created, Xenon-131. This occurs because Iodine-131 is unstable which then causes the neutrons to change into either protons and electrons, therefore changing the